Bolton v Barrow match thread

[Moribund]

Yes we did lose Graham, but to a suspiciously offside goal. Our goal chances were equal at least to theirs, but you can see the improvement in the last two games to at least give us a chance of survival. Hopefully we can come out of the blocks on Tuesday and get a result against Harrogate.

A "suspicially" offside goal still means we lost Nick. That means no points. We have shown more effort, determination etc. But the fact is, we need to score one more goal than the other teams to stay up. I just can't see how at the minute. But like everyone, I will keep the prayer mat out !

We just beat Oldham by scoring one more goal than them.

[Hadrian]

Not a classically 'enjoyable' game but a fascinating one and among our very best 'performances' of the season.

[Matty]

IE is belting at making up his own versions of events haha our players and staff all screaming for a pen

Need to hear Devitt's version before I believe a word of that.

He said in his interview it wasn't a pen.

[Hadrian]

It's a big pitch, and Bolton were good enough to make full use of it to keep the ball for long periods.

I thought it was big, too but - if the 'Football Stadiums' website is to be believed, the UniBol at '100 x 66 (6600)' is smaller than Holker Street at 101 x 68 (6868). The reason I embolden 'if' is that no units are given. (If correct, it would be amusing to find that the 'big pitch at Brunton Park' often cited by the co-commentator up there is only 1.5% bigger than Holker Street.) I must look for a source to confirm/repudiate the figures when not so tired.

Was it that Bolton were good enough to use the space available or was the Barrow game plan to cede that space in certain areas of the pitch?

[Adam29]

This month 13yrs ago Bolton fans were going mental at beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 over 2 legs to progress to the last 16 of the UEFA cup

Today they’re going mental at beating little old barrow with an offside goal

[Methuselah]

What people have to realise is that this is Barrow's first season back in the EFL after an absence of 48years. I think the board, the players and Rob Kelly who came to our rescue after previously saying he didn't want the job.I would also like to thank Scott Quigley who I am sure helped to reinvigorate the team.What people don't seem to realise is that our former manager ,when we had just won promotion was pledging his loyalty to Barrow while also being touch with Bolton about their vacant managerial position. That must have been devastating for the board when they thought they had him for at least one more season.Then we started our season rudderless with an untested manager who despite being a nice guy brought in players who weren't really up to to the job.Then they made a second mistake which often happens when you interview someone for a job and they give you all the right answers. So please don't be too hard on the board, the manager or the players,they are a work in progress. Just be thankful that now we have the makings of af a good team and with the grit and determination they have all shown I am sure we will remain in the EFL.Finally thank you to all the supporters who have stuck by the club through all those years in the wilderness, because without them Barrow AFC would not exist today.Thank you one and all and together we will survive.Thank you all the players for your performance in the last two games,It was like watching a different team.

Come on the Bluebirds

[Chrisj]

Just wanted to say how unlucky Barrow were yesterday if you play like that as from now you’ll be fine cannot comment on the penalty because I haven’t seen the replay but our goal was offside.

You should have taken that golden chance before the break to go one up if that goes in you would have won as we had no idea how to play against your two banks of four.

All in all good luck for the rest of the season really hope you stay up and Southend go down

[RedWeb]

Just watched the highlights and two things stuck out. A horrific miss after great set-up work from Quigley. The other thing is the goal. Didn't win the first header and didn't pick up the other kid in the box. I'd need to take another look but my first impression was that the boy who scored was behind the lad who headed it i.e. can't be offside - but I'd need to see it again. Either way it's done. I'd take win one, lose one away from home as long as we can pick up 3 pointers at Holker St.

[Big E]

Just wanted to say how unlucky Barrow were yesterday if you play like that as from now you’ll be fine cannot comment on the penalty because I haven’t seen the replay but our goal was offside.

You should have taken that golden chance before the break to go one up if that goes in you would have won as we had no idea how to play against your two banks of four.

All in all good luck for the rest of the season really hope you stay up and Southend go down

Cheers Chris. Game of fine margins and as always seems to happen it falls on the side with momentum.
Was at the game yesterday and it reminded me of where we were under evatt in his first season, great at possession but not quite the cutting edge. You need to find that player who can unlock defences. All the best and hopefully (in our case) we can invade Bolton next year

[holkerboy]

There commentators said it was one of the worst games ever seen. I agree in parts. We defended for 90 mins. Almost had 3 points, could have had 1. Is that how Kelly is setting us up for the rest of the season. If so, god help the back 5 ! If we don't show ambition to score we will go down. And people on here are praising it. We lost !

FFS give it a rest will you! If you don't want to support the team don't come on here.

[Pedro]

Just wanted to say how unlucky Barrow were yesterday if you play like that as from now you’ll be fine cannot comment on the penalty because I haven’t seen the replay but our goal was offside.

You should have taken that golden chance before the break to go one up if that goes in you would have won as we had no idea how to play against your two banks of four.

All in all good luck for the rest of the season really hope you stay up and Southend go down

Thanks as someone who lived in Bolton in 72 while going to BIT Deane Rd used to attend Burden Park during week when Ralph Coates,Alan Gowling etc played for you.
Genuinely it saddens me to see where you.play and how far you have fallen.
Hopefully you can get up with the likes of Preston best of luck for the rest of the season..
Hopefully we can stay up and if not it will not be for the lack of effort or a innocuous second ballot leading to Hereford joining the league.

[LewisBAFC1901]

Missing a link in the middle behind the strikers. When we get the ball up there’s nobody supporting most of the time. No idea what Brad Barry’s position is, it’s like a doubled up full back.

[John_Bucks]

Just watched the highlights and two things stuck out. A horrific miss after great set-up work from Quigley. The other thing is the goal. Didn't win the first header and didn't pick up the other kid in the box. I'd need to take another look but my first impression was that the boy who scored was behind the lad who headed it i.e. can't be offside - but I'd need to see it again. Either way it's done. I'd take win one, lose one away from home as long as we can pick up 3 pointers at Holker St.

Not offside for me either, not that it matters now. Watched it back and the lines on the pitch seem to show the lad who scored is behind the ball when it’s headed. Fine margins against a very good team in good form. Shame but on we go to Tuesday.

[Big E]

Missing a link in the middle behind the strikers. When we get the ball up there’s nobody supporting most of the time. No idea what Brad Barry’s position is, it’s like a doubled up full back.

Barry was immense yesterday, the amount of work he got through made us as solid as we were. I'm sure Kelly will tweak the side according to opponents.

[andyg]

Probably not as much support for our front two because of the quality in Bolton's midfield. They could then hit us very quickly if a move breaks down leaving us exposed. Remember we were playing an Evatt team and they tend to be rather good teams!!!!