Barrow suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time under manager Pete Wild against a fast-improving Tranmere Rovers.
It was Tranmere’s sixth clean sheet in nine matches and helped them move into the top half of the table after a slow start to the season.
The south Cumbrians were on top in the first half but found themselves behind at the break, while goalkeeper Paul Farman was their hero in the second-half with some fine stops.
The only goal of the game came on 25 minutes when Josh Hawkes raced onto a pass from Kieron Morris before firing strongly across Farman. It proved to be the third time in a row that one goal has earned the points for Micky Mellon’s team.
Ben Whitfield was unlucky twice when he fizzed inviting balls across goal which only needed a touch.
But Tranmere visibly grew in confidence following Hawkes’ third goal in six matches and were the dominant side in the second half.
Elliott Nevitt smashed one effort against the foot of the post from distance, before having a snap shot superbly saved by Farman and another one cleared on the line by Tyrell Warren.
Former Carlisle United loanee Dynel Simeu tested Farman with one header and then was just over the bar with another header.
Barrow did enjoy some late pressure but could not break through a Tranmere rearguard which is proving as watertight as any in the League at the moment.
