There’s just no stopping Barrow at the moment as they consolidated second place in League Two with a 3-1 win at Crewe.
It sets up nicely the Boxing Day clash at Holker Street when the Bluebirds entertain Stockport in a top versus second confrontation.
Barrow were extending their record winning run in the League to seven games and also hit Crewe’s own promotion chances although they stay in the play-off places.
Ben Whitfield started celebrations after 28 minutes when he did well to control a high ball into the box from David Worrall before turning and lifting his shot beyond debutant keeper Tom Booth.
The youngster had been brought in for Harvey Davies, who is on loan from Liverpool but who had to drop-out late on.
Barrow keeper Paul Farman had his one moment of concern in the first-half when he had to resort to his feet to keep out an in-swinging corner at the near post.
Barrow were soon into their stride in the second-half and Booth did well to palm away a 20-yard strike from Kian Spence.
But five minutes into the half Barrow scored again. Elliott Newby’s cross proved a problem and home captain Mickey Demetriou was ruled to have held former Alex man George Ray as he tried to get on the end of it.
Ged Garner was entrusted with the spot kick and his low effort found the back of the net via a post.
Crewe gave themselves a chance eight minutes later when Elliott Nevitt got highest in the box to power home a header from Rio Adebisi’s corner.
Substitute Robbie Gotts almost made it three for Barrow with a well-struck volley but he did set up Whitfield to restore Barrow’s two-goal advantage.
It was Whitfield’s seventh goal of the season as he powered a header beyond Booth into the bottom corner after 76 minutes.
