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Match Previews

Barrow Preview - A look ahead to Saturday's trip to The Bluebirds

25 February 2022

After Yorkshire derby success in midweek when Town earned a second successive double over Bradford City, Simon Weaver's side are back on their travels this weekend when they will look to replicate the same feat when they face Barrow.

Our opponents

Barrow come into the game sitting three points above the drop zone thanks to Oldham's recent revival.

Their recent form has seen them win twice in the past 10 games, scoring more than one goal in only a quarter of their games this season.

The Bluebirds have won three of their 16 games on home soil this season, drawing seven and taking 16 points in the process.

Previous meetings

Town won the early season meeting between the two sides, coming from behind to earn a 2-1 win thanks to a pair of second half goals from Alex Pattison.



Following both sides promotions from the National League at the end of the 2019/20 season Town had the upper hand in their debut season in the EFL. Solitary goals from Jack Muldoon in both encounters were enough to see Town do the double over the men from Holker Street.

The man in charge

Mark Cooper was appointed as Barrow manager this summer after leaving Forest Green at the end of the 2020/21 season after five years at the club. As well as managing a host of non-league clubs Cooper also had a spell in charge at Notts County.

During his playing career Cooper made over 450 appearances, most notably for Exeter City and Tamworth.

Ones to watch

Oliver Banks is the clubs top scorer having netted eight times so far, while Summer signing Josh Gordon has hit the target five times.

Mark Ellis has proved to be a key part of the Bluebirds defence following his arrival from Tranmere Rovers and former-Salford man Robbie Gotts will look to provide some creativity from an attacking midfield position.

The welcomed back favourite John Rooney from Stockport County in the January window as well as adding defender Niall Canavan from Bradford City.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Will Harris, Anthony Glennon and Jacob Wakeling all arrived at the club in loan deals.

History

Having been a member of the Football League for half a century Barrow failed to earn re-election following the 1971/72 season, spending the years in between in the top two levels of non-league football before promotion at the end of the 2019/20 season.

During this time, the club lifted the FA Trophy in 1990 and 2010, becoming the only side to win the trophy at both the old and new Wembley Stadium.

The 2020/21 season was their first back in the Football League for 50 years.

Team news

Town will once again be without Rory McArdle and Lewis Richards, although both are back on the comeback trail, as well as midfielder Simon Power. They will also hope to have Alex Pattison back after he missed the win over Bradford in midweek.
 

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