It was so nearly déjà vu for Barrow at Bristol Rovers last night – down to 10 men and battling through to a 0-0 draw.
That’s what happened in the home game but for the long trek south the Bluebirds were undone by a wonder-strike in the 81st minute which settled the game in Rovers’ favour.
Barrow had to battle on with 10 men from the 32nd minute when Niall Canavan was shown a straight red card.
Leon Clarke was haring through on goal when he was pulled down and although initially the referee didn’t seem as though he was going to do anything, his attention was drawn to a frantically-flagging assistant.
The result was that Canavan, as last man, had paid the price and taking one for the team on this occasion meant leaving the team short by one.
But as they had done in the home game, Barrow showed tremendous spirit and probably deserved to take home a point for their efforts.
Rovers, as expected under the circumstances had 72 per cent of possession but all too often laboured to break down a dogged Barrow defence. When they did find a way through keeper Paul Farman was inspired, making excellent stops to deny Anthony Evans and Harry Anderson.
Anderson had also gone close with a shot from outside the area which flew just wide.
Rovers keeper James Belshaw wasn’t exactly a spectator and he had to be on his toes to keep out a fiercely struck volley by Ollie Banks.
The goal that settled it didn’t come until eight minutes from the end when Evans let one go from 25 yards and Farman hardly saw it as it flew into the top corner.
But battling Barrow almost saved the game in the closing stages. Belshaw saved well from Banks and Josh Gordon while Matt Platt hit a post.
The defeat leaves Barrow one place above the drop zone, a point clear of Oldham who have a game in hand.
