Barrow AFC tasted victory in the football league for the first time since April 1972 on Tuesday evening . Their previous win, a 4-2 victory over Workington 48 years ago, unfortunately wasn’t enough to prevent Barrow being voted out of the football league some months later.
Ironically, Barrow’s latest victory occurred with the same scoreline, this time beating Mansfield Town. Their win at Mansfield puts them in good stead for the rest of the campaign.
48 years of waiting is over and David Dunn will be delighted to break his duck. The Barrow boss will now want his team to continue their competitive performances.
Their opening eight games have produced just five points and Dunn is quickly learning the harsh realities of management. His team are continuing to learn lessons about the football league and now following that win, it’s about sustaining that winning formula for Dunn and his team.
Barrow AFC: First Win in the Football League for 48 Years
David Dunn Will Aim For Consistency
Barrow are absolutely ecstatic to get that first win under their belts. They were handed the perfect opponents in fellow strugglers Mansfield Town. David Dunn’s team were slick and impressive at Field Mill and scored four excellent goals on the night.
Despite that win, sustaining leads is still a major issue for David Dunn’s team. Their last two games prior to the Mansfield victory were examples of those frailties. They were cruising against Bolton Wanderers, leading 3-1 inside the opening 20 minutes, but only managed to draw the game. That result was followed by another draw, this time against Walsall. The Bluebirds twice led the game but once again their opponents fought back to snatch a point. Overall, Barrow have dropped 8 points from winning positions – this needs rectifying fast if they are to have any success this campaign.
David Dunn has tried to attain continuity within the Barrow ranks despite 15 new arrivals during the transfer window. He has retained the tried and trusted set up Ian Evatt used to get Barrow promoted last season.
However, while attempting to keep continuity, Dunn has tried to stamp his own authority on the Barrow squad. But it is clearly taking time. Despite this, Barrow’s young manager will be confident he has found that solution now the first win is under their belts. It’s all about sustaining that winning formula with the fixtures ahead.
It was always going to take time to adapt for both the players and the manager. Dunn has earned plenty of plaudits as a coach but this is his first venture into management. The Barrow boss has endured a tough start to life as a number one with a first win not arriving until their ninth league game, along with a battle with coronavirus.
He will be given time, and now with that elusive win under their belts, Dunn will be confident his side can have a successful season.
The Bluebirds Have Spread The Goals But The Forwards Are Struggling
Despite Tuesday’s excellent win, goals have still be an issue for Barrow. The Bluebirds have managed thirteen goals in nine league games, but they are missing the regular goals supplied by the forward line last season.
Last season’s top scorer Scott Quigley is taking time to adjust to the football league. Dior Angus, however, has stepped up, notching three of Barrow’s thirteen goals. His pace has worked a treat in the forward areas and he has certainly taken to the football league excellently.
It is evident Barrow miss the talismanic John Rooney. He was their playmaker and creator in midfield and regularly found the net. They have struggled to replace him with Lewis Hardcastle and Mike Jones attempting to fill the void – neither have succeeded thus far.
Dunn was very quick to add new faces to his forward line knowing his team need more firepower. Luke James, Courtney Baker-Richardson and Jayden Reid are just a few of the new forwards brought in determined to prove themselves. James has been around the block but never really had the chance to perform in the football league. Baker-Richardson has shown glimpses of his talent at Swansea City but a loan at Accrington Stanley didn’t work out because of a serious injury. He has a point to prove as does the talented Jayden Reid. The young striker has arrived on loan from Birmingham City offering another option for David Dunn.
Barrow have also added former Aston Villa youngster Dimitri Sea. He featured for several Villa youth groups before being released by the Premier League side in the summer. Sea will be ready to prove himself in the coming weeks with the games coming thick and fast.
The Next Few Games Offer Barrow AFC The Chance To Build On The Mansfield Win
The season is beginning to take shape and Barrow, bouyed by the victory, will hope to build on that in their next few games.
Barrow welcome Bradford City to Holker Street in their next league game, which is followed by a trip to Blundell Park to take on Grimsby Town. Two great games which offer Barrow the chance to sustain their winning formula. Bradford are winless in two and Grimsby are yet to pick up a home win.
David Dunn will hope his side can maintain their competitive performances. Their confidence will be sky high after the Mansfield game and now the Bluebirds will be ready for the challenges ahead.
That first Football League win has released the shackles and has brought renewed confidence to a young Barrow AFC side. 48 years of wait is over and David Dunn will now focus on sustaining their winning formula.
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