It was not a Good Friday in Cheshire for the Bluebirds as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Crewe, only the second defeat in the last eight games
Barrow’s day got off to a tough start when George Ray tussled with O'Riordan at a 14th minute Crewe corner, resulting in a yellow card for Ray and a penalty to Crewe.
Dan Agyei slotted home the spot kick with a stuttered run up, the referee waved away vociferous Barrow appeals that the run up was illegal.
Patrick Brough had a chance to level for the Bluebirds after the Crewe keeper punched a cross in his direction. Unfortunately, his shot screwed wide and Josh Gordon couldn’t get a strong enough connection to direct it goal bound.
Things went from bad to worse on 31 minutes. Agyei turned Warren and as he ran into the box a rash challenge from Sam Foley gave Crewe their second penalty of the game. Agei dusted himself off and put the ball just out of Farman’s reach to make it 2-0.
Half Time: Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Barrow
A double substitution at half time saw Warren and Foley replaced by Rory Feely and Harrison Neal.
Barrow spent much of the second half in the Crewe half without finding the cutting edge.
On 52 minutes Josh Kay tried launch a counterattack but was hauled down by Agyei, who was booked, before he could get away.
On the hour mark, Farman was called into action to parry away Courtney Baker-Richardson’s stinging long range effort.
Josh Gordon was on the receiving end of a clumsy tackle from Mellor by the corner flag, the 65th minute free kick, Josh Kay crossed in after the free kick was cleared which resulted in a scramble in the area; Canavan controlled the ball well but his shot ricocheted off Rio Adebisi's knee on to the bar. Summing up the Bluebirds luck in Cheshire.
Elliot Newby and Jake Young replaced Kay and Ben Whitfield after 67 minutes as Pete Wild tried to add fresh energy into the attacking line.
Shortly after, the ball came to Robbie Gotts on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t repeat his heroics of Saturday as his left-footed strike was blocked by the numerous Crewe defenders.
Pete Wild rolled his last dice on 79’ when Ged Garner replaced George Ray.
As Barrow pushed further and further up the pitch Crewe made use of the space left behind. On 85 minutes Nevitt chased a long ball but as he bared down on goal the on-rushing Farman managed to stifle the danger.
Shortly after, the ball came to Robbie Gotts on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t repeat his heroics of Saturday as his left-footed strike was blocked by the numerous Crewe defenders. The resulting counter attach saw goal scorer Agei turn provided as his pass sent Long through to make it 3-0 on 89 minutes.
Despite 5 minutes of adding time, the Bluebirds were unable to trouble the Crewe keeper, condemning the Bluebirds and the fantastic vocal away following to defeat.