Andy Whing got a welcome 41st birthday present against Crewe.
The Barrow manager was in need of a win after the Bluebirds had slipped to fourth bottom after a four-match losing run.
It was only a 1-0 win, with Isaac Fletcher scoring the vital goal, but it could have been more convincing had it not been for Crewe goalkeeper Tom Booth.
He produced a number of good saves, including one in the first half when Connor Mahoney was presented with Barrow’s best chance.
There was also an opportunity for Fletcher but from a good position he fired over the bar.
Mahoney fired over the top and it could have been a costly miss as Emre Tezgel should have put Crewe ahead.
He was lefty with a great chance from close range just before half-time but could only head over.
It had been fairly regular catches and takes for home keeper Wyll Stanway but he did have to be alert at the start of the second-half when Crewe captain Mickey Demetriou fired one at him from distance.
The only goal of the game came on 58 minutes after Booth punched Ben Jackson’s cross straight to Fletcher and he found the back of the net with a well-times volley.
Barrow substitute Innes Cameron had two chances to improve the situation for Barrow but Booth denied him and then he shot over.
The victory moved the Bluebirds two places up to 19th.
