Barrow beat Fleetwood 4-3 on penalties to make a winning start in the EFL Papa John’s Trophy competition.
Goalkeeper Josh Lillis, who had made two excellent saves during the game, produced two smart stops in the shoot-out to seal the win.
Brendan Wiredu had put the home side in front on 30 minutes but Barrow levelled just before half-time with a John Rooney special from a free kick.
Barrow were nearest a second-half winner when a flicked header from David Moyo dropped just over the bar and then late on Moyo’s goalbound shot was blocked, and Pavel Zak’s rebound almost deflected into the bottom left corner.
In the shoot-out which followed Lillis made two important saves, the second of which from Sam Glenfield clinched the win to the delight of the 208 travelling fans.
Manager Pete Wild said: “I had a bit of a go at half-time because the first half an hour wasn’t what we are about. We weren’t good enough out of possession.
“But our intensity levels were up in the second half, as they often are, and we got our reward in the end.
“I was pleased with Josh Willis contribution, making two good save sin the game and then two match winning stops in the shoot-out.
“There was also a pleasing first appearance for Pawel Zuk who acquitted himself really well against an experienced player.
“We now have to get ourselves ready for Saturday and a trip to Northampton who will be smarting from a home defeat at the weekend. We will see there how much progress we have made.”
