Paul Gallagher, taking charge of his first home game for Barrow, saw his side beaten by an 89th minute winner for Crawley.
It was the only goal of the game and came at the death from Taylor Richards, as he drilled a low shot from 12 yards into the bottom corner.
It was Crawley’s first away win since September and leaves the Bluebirds just four points above the drop zone, and desperately needing to make amends on Tuesday at home to Oldham.
A powerful header from Louie Copley could have given the visitors the lead but goalkeeper Wyll Stanway, being linked with a recent bid for his services which Barrow have turned down, showed his ability by making a superb save.
There were two other opportunities, for Jay Williams and Harry McKirdy, but they were both missed and just before the break Isaac Fletcher had Barrow’s best effort which on-loan keeper Jacob Chapman saved well.
In the second-half Fletcher had an equaliser disallowed for a controversial offside decision.
Fletcher had further opportunities to get Barrow in front but he couldn’t manage to provide the finish required and Barrow were doing a lot right, apart from the end product.
In the closing stages Danilo Orsi hit the inside of a post for Crawley while at the other end Barrow’s Charlie Raglan watched his header being cleared off the line.
It was looking like a goalless stalemate until Richards came up with the winner for Crawley.
