Barrow missed a chance to create more breathing space for themselves in the League Two danger zone when they could only draw 0-0 with Oldham Athletic.
The Latics are bottom of the table and Barrow only have a six point advantage over them with Carlisle just one place out of the relegation spots, and only on goal difference.
Barrow didn’t play particularly well but manager Mark Cooper would still be disappointed his side didn’t take advantage of the chances they managed to create.
Oldham made the brighter start with former Carlisle United winger Nicky Adams a lively operator down the right.
Barrow had strong claims, however, for a penalty after gradually coming into the game. Josh Gordon went down in the box after seemingly being pushed from behind after controlling a ball on his chest.
Referee Ben Speedie wasn’t interested and ignored the Barrow calls for a spot kick.
Barrow had to be alert in defence when Oldham broke and the visitors went close when Jamie Hopcutt threw himself at a good cross but could only head wide of the target.
Then at the other end Mike Jones was close to giving Barrow the lead when he hit one from 25 yards. Jayson Leutwiler appeared to have the shot covered but it took a deflection and he had to change direction to make a fine save.
Barrow made a big finish to the half and when Patrick Brough got on the end of Robbie Gotts’ cross at the far post he had Leutwiler beaten but Carl Piergianni headed off the line.
Oldham, did however, have the last chance when the ball fell invitingly for Hopcutt on the edge of the area and he fired over the bar.
At half-time Cooper replaced Joe Grayson and Mike Jones with Josh Kay and Offrande Zanzala.
Kay was soon in the action, but fired high over the bar and Cooper had clearly asked for a quicker build-up and they soon had the momentum they needed.
Gotts fired-in a testing free kick which beat everyone and keeper Leitwiler had to be on his toes to palm clear. Then Gotts again put in a well-struck effort from 30 yards which was held by Leitwiler.
Although Barrow were having most of the ball, Oldham almost snatched a goal on the break and the home side breathed a sigh of relief when a curling effort from Hallam Hope scraped the outside of the post.
Near the end Zanzala almost snatched it for Barrow when he deflected a volley from Jordan Stevens just past the post.
