Blue Squared Awards Season 2011/2012

After an exhausting Blue Square Bet Premier season, it's almost over for a few months. There's been many highs and lows for every Conference football fan and I think it's a great time to reflect on an entertaining season with many twists, turns and shock results. 

I'd like to know what have been the stand out moments for you. It doesn't matter which BSBP team you support, just fill out the form below and tell me who have been your favourite teams, players and what have been your favourite goals, performances and matches of the season. 

I'll post the results after the final weekend of the season and don't forget to tell your fellow fans to fill out the form!

Watch this space!

@amyscarisbrick

Who Should Pay for the Cost of Policing at Football Matches?

An Investigation into the Cost of Policing Football Matches and the Levels of Security on Matchdays

Football’s Chief Police Officer has called for clubs to pay for all of the policing costs in wider areas around football stadiums on match days.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) says that football clubs should pay more towards the cost of policing which is currently being paid by the taxpayer.

This comes after research commissioned by ACPO shows there is a significant rise in crime and disorder that occurs up to 3 kilometres away from football ground on match days. 

The study conducted by University College London shows that four out of the five football clubs examined showed there was a significant increase in crime and disorder occurring in wider areas away from football grounds on match days.

This prompted me to investigate who really does pay for the cost of policing amongst the football league clubs in the North West. 

My Special Report will be posted in due course, but for now here is a history on hooligan incidents that have occurred in football history as examples of the crime and disorder that have broken out at football matches in Great Britain and Europe.

@amyscarisbrick

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Related Articles:

BBC News Website Article 

Telegraph Report  

Channel 4 News Report

England C Grab Late Equaliser To Rescue A Point Against Italy

England C 1-1 Italy

The Blue Square Bet Premier's finest players dazzled in an exciting encounter with Italy in their Group A match of the International Challenge Trophy.

Fleetwood Town's Highbury Ground hosted its first international match in its 80 year history.

The non league international football match was enjoyed by a packed Highbury Stadium, who saw the best of the Blue Square Premier on display.

Italy took the lead in the 48th minute when Federico Anguilli's stylish chip looped over England and Tamworth Jonathan Hedge.

England C grabbed an equaliser in the final moments of the match when Luton Town's Adam Watkins lobbed keeper Alberto Brignoli on 93rd minute.

I went along to the match and captured all the action:

England C v Italy - Match Review Package by amyscarisbrick

Advert for English Non League Football

Manager Paul Fairclough adopted a 4-4-2 starting formation for the England C side, but it was Italy who started brightly.

The away side dominated the opening 15 minutes with an early chance for Simone Corazza easily gathered by England Goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge.

It was an exciting and pacey tempo from both sides. England started to pressurise when Captain Danny Rose's 30 yard free kick drifted narrowly wide of the left hand post with no one to follow through with a finish.

Fabio Meduki hit the post from 20 yards out in the 16th minute for Italy but England counter attacked with Kenny Davis who sent his 20 yard shot narrowly over the crossbar.

Corazza continued to cause problems for England, but the sting out of Italy's attack disappeared when he was substituted for a possible injury.

England came close to scoring when Michael Coulson cut back and set up Danny Rose with a fantastic shot that was saved at close range by Italian Goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.

England Captain and Fleetwood Town Midfielder Danny Rose had a fantastic first half and he reflected on the team's performance in my post-match interview.

England C v Italy: Danny Rose Interview by amyscarisbrick

Hyde's Scott Spencer also had a number of good chances and his best shot from 20 yards out was tipped over by keeper Brignoli.

After Italy took the lead just after the break, the momentum switched back to England. The second half was not as lively as the first but England had numerous chances and could have scored three or four.

Grimsby Town's Michael Coulson came alive and had a great chance on the 56th minute when he squared the ball from the right wing across the face of goal and Spencer couldn't quite reach to finish at the back post.

Coulson also shot narrowly wide of the right post with five minutes to go from Ashley Chambers' build up play.

The Best of Barrow

As Barrow reporter, it was clealry nice to see Adam Boyes represent the Bluebirds for England C. Barrow manager Dave Bayliss had praised Boyes but wanted Andy Cook to be picked for the England squad in an earlier interview.

The Barrow Striker came on for a 25 minute spell alongside York City's Ashley Chambers. Boyes best chance came in stoppage time when his driving shot was pushed wide by keeper Brignoli.

Boyes was delighted to play for his country and is looking forward to returning to the Barrow squad in my post-match interview:

England C v Italy: Adam Boyes Interview by amyscarisbrick

Watkins' equaliser was fully deserved as England dominated the match and perhaps will be disappointed to not get the three points.

Here are some moments from the match:



The players now return to their parent clubs for the rest of the Blue Square Bet Premier season and play Russia in the next round of the cup in June

@amyscarisbrick

Thanks go to @nataliabradford and @robcbartlett who were a pleasure to work alongside in the press box in a memorable evening of football.

England C: Hedge Roberts Brown Turley Davis Oshodi Coulson Forbes Spencer Rose Blair

Subs Not Used: Edwards

Italy: Brignoli Meccariello D'orsi Meduki Masi Lamorte Bencivenga Faroni De-Sena Angiulli Corazza

Attendance: 4628

Related Articles

England C Team's Official page

Barrow Beat All Top Three Teams at Home with a 1-0 Win over Promotion Pushers Luton Town.

Barrow 1-0 Luton Town: Giant Killers, Magic Number 50 and The Furness Fortress.

Barrow and Luton Town Players shake hands after the match

Barrow seal another giant killing performance at the Furness Building Society Stadium with a hard earned 1-0 victory over play-off positioned Luton Town.

Alex-Ray Harvey scored his first goal in a Barrow shirt with a 73^rd minute strike to seal all three points. Harvey combined with substitute Paul Rutherford on the left hand side of the box. The winger looked up and laid the ball back to Harvey who sunk his 15 yard shot with pace into the bottom right corner.

It was a close and gritty first half with crunching tackles flying in from both sides. Luton Town had slightly more possession and created the better chances in the first half.

Aaron O’Connor came closest with a header from 6 yards out that was easily gathered by Barrow goalkeeper Shaun Pearson.

At the start of the second half, Andy Cook nearly broke the deadlock when he received Harvey’s long ball pass and blazed his shot wide of the right hand post on 49^th minute.

In the closing stages, Luton Town nearly grabbed an equaliser but substitute Jean Paul Kissock’s 25 yard free kick was saved by Pearson.

Harvey’s goal earned Barrow their first victory over the high flying Hatters while they have been in the Conference, ending Luton Town’s unbeaten run since early November.

The Bluebirds have now beaten all top three teams, Wrexham, Fleetwood Town and Luton at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

Barrow Manager Dave Bayliss says team spirit gave them the winning edge over Luton Town in my interview recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone.

All the action can be heard in my match report recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone.

Giant Killers

In the second of three home matches in eight days for the Bluebirds, Dave Bayliss named an unchanged side from Saturday’s team that beat Kettering Town 3-0. With Adam Boyes and Joe Jackson serving suspensions, the Starting X1 adopted the same 4-3-3 Formation with lone striker Andy Cook featuring in the side.

The first half was tight with little chances on target for both sides.

Luton Town started the better side and were passing the ball fluidly with a great tempo in the opening 10 minutes. But Barrow marked tightly and stopped Luton from playing the way they wanted to. Luton had an early half chance but Craig McAllister’s tame header that was easily saved by Pearson.

The match started getting a little personal as crunching tackles and off the ball incidents became common. The worst of them was a clash of heads between Andy Cook and Janos Kovacs that earned the Luton Town player a yellow card.

Barrow’s best chance came when Paul Smith flicked the ball into the box from 20 yards out and Richie Baker’s shot at the near side post was blocked by Luton goalkeeper Mark Tyler.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was pretty much the same with little chances and all the action firmly in the midfield.

There was a comical moment when the referee turned round accidently caught Luton’s Stuart Fleetwood in the face. To add insult to injury, he got a yellow card for his protests against Richie Baker’s earlier challenge.

The turning point in the match came midway through the second half when Paul Rutherford was bought on in place of Chris Turner. Rutherford injected pace and creativity into the side and assisted Harvey’s winning goal.

Andy Cook has a late chance to also score for the Bluebirds when Rutherford’s quick free kick was crossed into the box by Jack Mackreth and couldn’t quite reach Cook at the left hand post.

In stoppage time, Rutherford smuggled the ball along the bi-line to reach Cook and his tapped shot almost snuck past Tyler.

The victory was sensational for the Bluebirds and it clearly wasn’t a fluke.

The only dampener to the day was the match attendance of only 925, which is the lowest of the season.

Magic Number 50

Dave Bayliss has expressed the team’s aim for the season was to score 50 points and victory over Luton Town has taken the Bluebirds up to the 51 points.

Having achieved their goal for the season already, the Bluebirds can now concentrate on each individual match without the pressure of having to pick up points for safety.

Victory over Luton has now moved Barrow up two places to ninth in the league, just four points off the play off positions.

With three tough away games in three days, Barrow would have to get points from every game at the very least to stand a chance at making the play offs. Barrow are the rank outsiders to make the play off positions, but credit must be given for their efforts in the campaign.

This season has clearly been their best in four campaigns in the conference. They have almost guaranteed safety from relegation, had some fantastic performances against big teams and are look likely to finish in a strong mid-table position.

The Furness Fortress

The Furness Building Society Stadium

The 2011/2012 season will be remembered for Barrow’s impressive home record. With barely a loss at Holker Street, Barrow have been able to rack up points consistently at home. 

By beating the top three teams at home this season, it shows that the Bluebirds have feared nobody and deserve to be in the table where they are today.

It seems that the long journey up the A590, the windy conditions and the playing surface at Holker Street seem to deter teams every time they come up to play Barrow.

It just shows that with only one striker able to play at the moment a budget well below the spending of the Conferences’ big boys, Barrow have done remarkably well and been a huge surprise package this season.

Their almost flawless home record will be tested on Saturday when they face Forest Green Rovers at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

@amyscarisbrick

Barrow: Pearson Smith Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Baker Owen Harvey Mackreth Turner (Rutherford 67) Cook

Subs Not Used: Cairns Nicholas Ferrell Moyo

Luton Town: Tyler Taylor Keane Pilkington (Capt) Lawless McAllister (Kissock 79) Fleetwood O'Connor Howells Boucard (Watkins 63) Kovacs

Contact the author: ascarisbrick@uclan.ac.uk

Cook Scores Double in Barrow’s Victory over Emotional Darlington

Barrow 3-0 Darlington: Off Pitch Drama, Female Referee and Fans United.

Darlington Fans at Barrow in possibly their club's last ever match

In an emotionally charged match at the Furness Building Society, an Adam Boyes strike and two goals from Andy Cook secured three points for Barrow over financial strugglers Darlington.

Boyes took the lead for Barrow in the 15^th minute after receiving the ball on the edge of the box. He took a touch, turned and his flicked volley was aided into the goal by Darlington keeper Sam Russell.

The Bluebirds then took control of the match with a goal from Andy Cook on 32^nd minute. Man of the match Gavin Skelton’s cross was headed by Cook from 12 yards out into the left hand side of the net.

Darlington came closest to scoring when Adam Rundle rounded Gavin Skelton and James Owen and squared the ball for Ryan Bowman, but his 16 yard shot was blazed into the side netting.

Barrow charged to victory when Andy Cook scored his second of the day on 63^rd minute. Adam Boyes rounded Liam Hatch on the right wing and squared the ball across the face of goal for Cook to slot in from 5 yards out.

Despite sustaining some pressure from the Quakers in spells of the game, Barrow cruised to victory on an afternoon where the off pitch drama was more important than the football match.

The Bluebirds move up to 11^th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, while Darlington drop to 14^th.

Barrow Joint Manager Dave Bayliss believes it was a professional job from the team during difficult circumstances in my post-match recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone.

Dave Bayliss Interview: Barrow v Darlington by amyscarisbrick

Off Pitch Drama

It has been a dramatic week for both Blue Square Bet Premier sides off the pitch.

This match was billed to be massive as it could possibly be Darlington’s last match as a football club in their 129 year history. Earlier this week, the Quakers were plunged into administration due to financial difficulties and must find a new buyer by 17^th January or they cease to exist as a club.

The situation is so desperate for the club that local newspaper The Northern Echo paid for the coach to bring the players over to Barrow.

In south Cumbria, the week’s build up had included the road closure of Holker Street as strong winds have damaged a floodlight at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

While striker Louis Almond bid farewell to the Bluebirds and returned to parent club Blackpool, Danny Hone extended his loan spell with Barrow from Lincoln City until the end of the season.

Another point of interest was the match had a female referee. Amy Fearn from Leicestershire was in charge of all proceedings at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

The most noticeable part of the team news was the absence of Jack Mackreth from the squad due to the removal of an infected toe nail.

Barrow joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made two changes to the side that lost 3-2 away to Stockport on New Year’s Day. Andy Ferrell replaced Mackreth and Paul Smith started ahead of Kelvin Lomax. They lined up in a flexible version of the 4-3-3 formation with Paul Rutherford and Adam Boyes playing off central striker Andy Cook.

There was a 10 minute delay to the start of kick off as officials were unable to get the high volume of away fans into the ground in time for 3pm.

It was a scrappy start to the match as Barrow conceded several free kicks, allowing Darlington to create half chances at goal.

After the opening 10 minutes, Andy Cook began to push forward and create a number of opportunities. The striker managed to round Liam Hatch and his headed shot was gathered comfortably by keeper Sam Russell.

The momentum firmly shifted towards Barrow after Boyes and Cook scored to put Barrow 2-0 up. It was a strong performance from both of the front men who linked up beautifully throughout the game.

Cook was particularly fierce, with energetic runs, bundles of chances to score and securing his 10^th league goal, 11^th in all competitions for the season. It was important for Adam Boyes to end a goal drought of two months to score his 13^th league goal of the season, 19 in all competitions.

Richie Baker also nearly made the score sheet when his 25 yard free kick drifted wide of the top right corner of Darlington’s net on 25^th minute.

Barrow training ahead of their match with Darlington

Barrow then rotated their squad and altered their system. Kelvin Lomax came on at left back for James Owen who picked up a ligament strain, pushing Gavin Skelton into a new role in the centre of midfield.

Paul Rutherford was replaced by Cliff Moyo who came on at right back, moving Paul Smith into a right wing attacking position.

The match was comfortably dominated by Barrow who never looked like they were going to lose after Adam Boyes opened the scoring.

However, respect must be paid to Darlington as they never once gave up and continuously fought to get back into the match.

The Quakers pushed forward at every opportunity and nearly stole a consolation goal from a corner kick. Kris Taylor nearly spoiled the Bluebirds’ clean sheet but his shot from 12 yards out was cleared off the line by Barrow’s Andy Ferrell on 72^nd minute.

Credit must be given to be Barrow for a professional job in difficult circumstances. They were clinical and did not show Darlington any sympathy when it came to winning the match.

But all the action of the game will be forgotten, a greater memory will remain from this weekend.

A Tribute to the Fans United

It was both a heartbreaking and special day at the Furness Building Society Stadium and right from the start everyone knew there was going to be a strange atmosphere.

Darlington’s manager, players and fans all prepared themselves that this game was possibly their club’s last. A massive 922 Darlington fans* travelled to Barrow in the largest away attendance at the Furness Building Society Stadium this season by a long stretch.

The most special part of the day was before the match when the Barrow’s fans held up a homemade banner with the words:

FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS

This was significant gesture and a message that the world of football can learn from. Unfortunately there will always be a non league club that will struggle to financially survive in the sport. But Barrow fans showed they understood Darlington’s situation and made a stand that clubs should not be just left to dissolve out of existence.

The banner created a great atmosphere in the Furness Building Society Stadium as both sets of fans stood united. For once the football match was unimportant. It showed that football is more than just a game and how much our local clubs truly mean to all us true football fans.

When the full time whistle blew, television cameras from the national media crowded around the Darlington players and fans. The anthem of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” eerily played out over the pa system as the Quakers went to applaud their fans.

It was almost as if Barrow was invisible as the managers, players and fans went into the tunnel and importantly allowed it to be Darlington’s day.

The officials then let the Darlington fans onto the pitch to spend time with their players.

Darlington Fans on the Pitch at the Furness Building Society Stadium

It was also heartbreaking to see the Darlington Caretaker Manager Craig Liddle come up to the press box with tears in his eyes.

This was a completely unique occasion to witness. I left the stadium with a bittersweet feeling. A heavy heart for the plight of Darlington and how I never wanted to see fans saying farewell to their football club ever again. But on the other hand, I felt proud. Proud of Darlington’s fans for showing their passion and commitment to their club. Proud of Barrow’s fans for the respect they had shown for a struggling competitor.

The post-match reaction on Twitter was outstanding with tweets from both Barrow and Darlington fans sharing thoughts and thankyous with one another.

A connection was made between the fans of both clubs that will be remembered for a very long time.

I wish all the best to Darlington in the next few weeks and I hope they get the outcome they are hoping for.

This theme of finance will undoubtedly continue as Barrow take on Blue Square Bet Premier big spenders Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 10^th January.

There is a fierce rivalry slowing building between the two North West sides as all their matches are explosive. Earlier this season, the Bluebirds unexpectedly destroyed the Cod Army 4-0 at home. But promotion favourites Fleetwood will go into this tie as clear favourites.

Let the rivalry commence

@amyscarisbrick

Barrow: Hurst Smith Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Baker Ferrell Owen (Lomax 49) Cook (Nicholas 82) Boyes Rutherford (Moyo 68)

Subs Not Used: Pearson Sheridan

Darlington: Russell Arnison Brown Chandler Hatch (Harrison 65) Taylor Bowman McReady (Gray 68) Rundle (Ramxhaw 80) Hopson Bridge-Wilkinson

Subs Not Used: Nixon Gray 

*The correct away attendance was 922 not 1072 as announced at the game. The overall attendance was 2144.

FA Cup Third Round Preview: Fleetwood Town v Blackpool

Now forget about the Manchester derby in the FA Cup Third Round as another ferocious North West match takes place this weekend. It's between Blue Square Bet Premier side Fleetwood Town who play close near neighbours Blackpool for the first time in 31 years.

Fleetwood are 66 places and three leagues below Championship side Blackpool, but can they pull off a traditional FA Cup upset?

I visited the Fylde Coast to experience the magic of this unique cup derby:

FA Cup Preview - Fleetwood Town v Blackpool Package by amyscarisbrick

I was lucky enough to attend Fleetwood's training session and press conference ahead of the big game.

Here are preview interviews ahead of the big local derby:

Fleetwood Manager Micky Mellon and Captain Steve McNulty:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Micky Mellon and Steve McNulty by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Goalkeeper Scott Davies:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Scott Davies Interview by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Defender Nathan Pond:

Fleetwood FA Cup Preview: Nathan Pond Interview by amyscarisbrick

Interview with Fleetwood Striker Andy Mangan:

Fleetwood Town FA Cup Preview: Andy Mangan Interview by amyscarisbrick

@amyscarisbrick

Victorious Stockport Score Late Penalty to end Barrow’s spirited come back.

Festive Double Header Part Two

Stockport 3-2 Barrow: Slippery surfaces, Baker’s Double and Dubious Decisions?

Barrow warming up at Edgeley Park ahead of the match

Stockport score a controversial late penalty to seal victory after Barrow staged a forceful second half comeback. County were leading 2-0 by half time before Richie Baker scored two goals to draw the Bluebirds level. However Sam Sheridan’s 84th minute goal from the penalty spot gave the Hatters all three points in one of the most exciting games of the season.

Stockport took an early lead with a stunning goal from Sam Sheridan on 9^th minute. Tom Elliott headed the ball onto Sheridan who produced a screamer from 30 yards out that rocketed into the top left corner.

County earned a second goal after Aaron Cole caught out Barrow right back Kelvin Lomax and counter attacked on the left wing. Cole squared the ball into Elliott who missed his shot, but Joe Connor managed to scrappily push the ball over the line, giving Stockport a 2-0 lead on the 32^nd minute.  

Barrow dominated the second half as Paul Rutherford crossed from the right wing to set up Adam Boyes’ headed shot. Boyes’ attempt was cleared by Matt Glennon but Richie Baker chested it over the line on 57^th minute to make it 2-1.

The Bluebirds drew level after they were awarded a penalty as Danny O’Donnell handballed in the area. Richie Baker stepped up to the spot and scored his fifth goal of the season on 67^th minute.  

Stockport secured victory after a controversial penalty was given against Danny Hone for handballing in the area. Man of the match Sam Sheridan scored the winner from the spot to the elation of nearly 3000 County fans.

Stockport move up to 19th in the league, while Barrow’s defeat drops them two places to 12^th in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Barrow Joint Manager Dave Bayliss says the players are devastated not to earn any points in my post match interview recorded for The Bay’s Goalzone:



Dave Bayliss Interview - Stockport v Barrow by amyscarisbrick

Slippery Surfaces

After a scrappy and tight 1-0 victory for Barrow over Stockport County on Boxing Day, the second part of this festive double header was set to be exciting as both teams knew what to expect from the opposing side.

Barrow joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan made no changes to the side that beat Stockport at the Furness Building Society Stadium eight days ago and they lined up in the usual 4-4-2 formation.

All focus ahead of the game was on Louis Almond who was making his final appearance in a Barrow shirt. The striker’s loan spell is due to end on Wednesday 4^th January as he returns to parent club Blackpool. Earlier this week, winger Dominic Rowe also returned to parent club Bradford City after his loan period with the Bluebirds ended.

The teams coming out of the tunnel

There was a delayed start to the match as Stockport’s captain Danny O’Donnell received treatment after clashing heads with Andy Cook.

Once play had finally started, Sam Sheridan produced his 30 yard wonder goal in the first real phase of the match, stunning Barrow right from the start.

Ironically, Sam is the nephew of Barrow manager Darren Sheridan and he had an excellent performance against his uncle’s side.  

The first half saw a dismal performance from Barrow where they were outplayed in most areas of the game. This was mainly due to the greasy and slippery surface of the pitch at Edgeley Park which made play very difficult for Barrow in the opening 45 minutes.

Stockport were able to control the ball better and play it along the ground, while Barrow couldn’t get a good first touch and had to revert to long ball tactics.

After Stockport’s second goal, Barrow began to fight their way into the match. Andy Cook had their first real shot on target, heading wide of the left post from 14 yards out on 40^th minute. This was followed up by Richie Baker’s shot from the edge of the box that was comfortably saved by County keeper Matt Glennon.

Stockport were the better side in the first half and took their chances when they came, however in the second half the tide was about to turn in Barrow’s favour.

Baker’s Double

Barrow came out a completely different side in the second half and were intent to score points from the match. Bayliss and Sheridan made an early substitution, replacing Lomax with Paul Smith at right back, changing the shape of the side by pushing Paul Rutherford and Jack Mackreth further forward.

This proved successful as Boyes received James Owen’s long ball and had his shot from 8 yards saved by Glennon on 49^th minute. Moments later Boyes’ flick set up Paul Rutherford with a shot from 25 yards that went narrowly wide of the left post.

Edgeley Park

It was all one way traffic and Barrow’s come back was due to brilliant runs on the wings from Rutherford and Mackreth that were absent from the first half.

The attack continued into the closing stages of the match and Baker set up Cook with a great headed shot that was saved by Glennon on 80^th minute.

Like in the Boxing Day match against Stockport, Richie Baker had another great performance by scoring the two goals that got Barrow back into the game. There was an incredible amount of pressure on Baker to score the second goal from the penalty spot after Barrow had just had a goal disallowed. Yet the midfielder managed to score and keep the Bluebirds temporarily in the contest.

Dubious Decisions?

The match will sadly be remembered for controversial decisions. The first questionable incident was in the build up to Barrow’s second goal. Andy Cook rounded the keeper Glennon on the right of the box and his squared ball was tapped in from 5 yards out by Adam Boyes on 65^th minute. The Barrow players began celebrating and the referee disallowed the goal and pulled it back to award a penalty instead to Barrow for O’Donell’s handball in the area.

Baker then went on to score the subsequent penalty, but an advantage could have been played to allow the goal to stand, rather than making Barrow take a penalty and score again.

The penalty at the end of the match awarded to Stockport was the main talking point of the New Year tie.

The referee had already signalled for a corner kick to Stockport and then changed his mind very late to instead award Stockport a penalty. The incident itself seemed rather harsh as the ball flicked up and hit Danny Hone’s arm. Nevertheless, credit must be given to Sheridan for scoring a great winning goal from the penalty spot in the final minutes of the match.



The Travelling Barrow fans

For the Barrow fans and players, it’s a heartbreaking result as a point was the very least the team deserved and they had been close to winning the game.

For Stockport, it was a massive result that lifted them slightly away from the relegation zone and the win clearly meant a lot to the fans who celebrated emphatically.

For the neutral fan, it was a spectacular contest as it was an open and dramatic game. The atmosphere in Edgeley Park was electric from both sets of fans, especially the 341 travelling Barrow fans that made more noise than nearly 3000 Stockport supporters in the stadium.

Barrow will hope to bounce back with a home fixture next Saturday against mid-table team Darlington.

@amyscarisbrick

Stockport: Glennon Holden O’Donnell (Capt) Fraughan (Gritton 73) Sheridan Halls (McCann 64) Elliott Piergianni Edwards Cole Connor

Subs not used: Ormson Rowe Blackburn

Barrow: Hurst Lomax (Smith 50) Skelton Bolland (Capt) Hone Mackreth Baker Owen Rutherford Cook (Almond 87) Boyes

Subs not used: Pearson Ferrell Moyo