A controversial red card for Barrow’s Josh Gordon spoiled last night’s friendly with Fleetwood Town at Holker Street.
The Bluebirds’ forward was sent off after 52 minutes by referee Steb Stocksbridge after he and an opponent had both gone in strongly for a challenge.
It was a disappointing decision in a friendly game when even a yellow card for each could have been questioned.
Barrow manager Pete Wild said: “It spoiled the rest of the game and became virtually attack versus defence which was no good for either side.”
Barrow had started the game the more pro-active with both Jordan Stevens and Tom White getting shots away but they were comfortably taken by Fleetwood keeper Jay Lynch.
Barrow lost their new midfielder Sam Foley on ten minutes with an impact injury following a strong challenge, and he was replaced by a trialist.
Chris Conn-Clark had Fleetwood’s best chance when he found himself unmarked in the box but his lob over home keeper Paul Farman was far too high.
Following Gordon’s early second half departure Barrow were mainly engaged in standing strong in defence against the visitors and did well to limit their opportunities.
However they broke the deadlock after 83 minutes when Dan Batty let fly from 30 yards with a dipping shot that Paul Farman could do nothing about.
