Barrow v Bradford match thread

[Barrow Lad New]

After an equally matched first half with no goals, an exciting second half saw Barrow pegged back twice. The second time was four minutes into added time- but the winner a minute later was the icing on the cake, a product of the positive mindset of the team spurred on by a large noisy crowd!

It was one of those “I was there” matches which will live long in the memory, and six goals and two wins against promotion-tipped teams is a great start to the campaign

We were forced into an early change within 15 minutes, McClelland coming on for the injured Ray. Three minutes later, Warren was booked for a foul on Gilliead on the edge of the box, Smallwood’s free kick confidently saved by Farman. Lewis then saved a cross from Gordon at the other end.

Just before the half hour, Crichlow was yellow carded for a foul on Waters- and would narrowly avoid dismissal for a second yellow later in the game when an even worse challenge went unpunished. Whitfield’s free kick was dealt with, but seconds later the No.34 had a second chance with a 25-yard strike which went wide.

In the 37th minute, Bradford’s Smallwood also struck wide from a free kick. Seven minutes later Farman saved another.

However, Barrow had the last chance of an even half in the third minute of time added when Foley launched forward a free kick from near the half way line, Gordon heading just over the bar.

Five minutes into the second half Angol was fouled, Smallwood’s free kick going just wide of the right post.

We came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Whitfield only just failed to make contact with a very dangerous Waters cross from the right.

Five minutes later Angol was booked for a foul on Warren, Lewis saving Whitfield’s free kick.

On the hour, City tried a double- substitution, ex-Bluebird Andy Cook and Young coming on for Oliver and Angol. Another ex-Bluebird, Matt Platt, was wearing the No.5 Bradford shirt today.

However, three minutes later we were 1-0 up. Brough passed to Whitfield who showed great composure and control to run with the ball, choosing just the right moment to unleash his shot from outside the box.

Two minutes later we were pegged back with an effective fast attacking move, East feeding substitute Young who fired in from the left past Farman. However, the award of a goal was controversial as Barrow fans and players did not feel it had crossed the line, the ball coming back out from the underside of the bar back into play.

In the 72nd minute, the Barrow fans were further incensed when Crichlow avoided further punishment for a bad challenge on Gordon.

With 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Kay came on for Waters. Five minutes later a good break by Foley and Whitfield won a corner from which Lewis saved a Canavan header. Rooney then came on for Gotts, Barrow’s final change of the afternoon

An 81st minute elbow on Foley went unpunished, but this spurred on both Barrow players and fans even more.

The attendance of 4,012, including 640 visiting fans, was announced as was Ben Whitfield being awarded Barrow’s man of the match.

In the 85th minute, following a Whitfield corner, Kay fired in from close range to restore the Barrow lead. As normal time approached, with the score still 2-1, Songo’o came on for East, Bradford’s final change.

High drama followed in nine minutes of added time. In the 4th of the minutes Andy Cook (of all people!) scrambled in when the ball came loose from a Young close-range attempt.

Instead of proving the sucker punch, never-say-die Barrow launched an attack and a minute later the lead was restored, Gordon bundling in from a Whitefield cross to send the crowd delirious. A lengthy ovation followed after the 99th minute final whistle as Pete Wild and the players celebrated with the crowd. A wonderful end to a drama-filled game and great to see the goals flying in again!

[Bombadel]

The thoughts of Barrow AFC manager Pete Wild after todays nail-biting 3-2 victory against Bradford City at Holker Street

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0crk232

953228D6-DD04-4655-A8CA-B90B79BC1FA5.jpeg

Decent interview, can’t do enough for a good Boss as the saying goes, long old season ahead but carry on like this and it will be way less stressful than last season.

[Adam29]

The thoughts of Barrow AFC manager Pete Wild after todays nail-biting 3-2 victory against Bradford City at Holker Street

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0crk232

953228D6-DD04-4655-A8CA-B90B79BC1FA5.jpeg

Decent interview, can’t do enough for a good Boss as the saying goes, long old season ahead but carry on like this and it will be way less stressful than last season.

Hmmm not sure my heart rate agrees with you right now on that one

[bhbb]

Major 19-20 season vibes of this team

[mickmike wilson]

Just think what it would be if we could get another 1,000 in the away end for matches like this. Unimaginable just 3-4 years ago.
KAY!!!!

Why would we want another thousand away when we will fill the ground on our own.

We don’t though, Capacity is 5,400

[Jim]

I have just watched the goals on Sky highlights. Ben Whitfield's was brilliant!

[32mile_cul-de-sac]

https://www.skysports.com/football/barr ... ity/468389

[Matty]

You can tell we've won, only four pages and it's nearly 8!

Tremendous afternoon and performance, Rooney's going to have to work hard to get in that midfield, all three were busting a gut.

[cuffy]

Wow who would have expected that. After last weeks game there was always a chance it was a one off. Today proves to me that what a great team we have. The skill (I have always thought he’s got something) and never say attitude put another one of the promotion favourites to bed today. Well played guys you are certainly proofing the doubters wrong

[mickmike wilson]

Fantastic fighting never say die spirit on display, Brilliant.

Decent crowd but this team needs more of you backing them & surely our crowds will grow more now, Hopefully.

I imagine we are chatting to a few forwards who are down the pecking order at bigger clubs & are mulling over our advances, Well they will be thinking a bit differently atm won’t they as surely they are now more confident coming here under Petes style of front foot footy & they will feel far more confident that they will score goals here & not be in a shot shy team fighting relegation imho.

Petes negotiations will be that bit easier atm, Superb isn’t it.

[xerxes]

Apart from the goals, my favourite bit was Cookie throwing a tantrum in the last minute when the linesman gave a foul against him. Was worth giving him a goal just to see that!

[Suffolk Blue]

I believe George Ray has broken his ankle. Takes a bit of a shine off a fantastic day.

[blue nige]

Apart from the goals, my favourite bit was Cookie throwing a tantrum in the last minute when the linesman gave a foul against him. Was worth giving him a goal just to see that!

He should have been booked because he was still complaining after the game finished but that referee was totally biased today perhaps it'll change if we can get established in the EFL!

[blue nige]

I believe George Ray has broken his ankle. Takes a bit of a shine off a fantastic day.

Where did you get that from it's not what wild said on twitter?

[kikka]

Another terrific result today ...coming as a result of a determined , organised , hard-working team effort . The cohesion in the group is there for us all to see ... and the confidence within the team ...and within the supporters ...will be rising for sure . Well done to all concerned . When the fixtures came out , we looked to have been given a tough start against teams who ...we were told ...would be 'right up there ' ... well, so far , we have shown ourselves to be well up for that challenge . The new management team can take a lot of credit ...but the players have also risen to the challenge most commendably . The 'spirit' in the club ( not to mention the skill level ) is rising ... great stuff ...Let's build on this .