Michael Jolley declared himself happy with a point in his first game in charge and praised the determination of his players following the 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers.
Barrow looked all set to go and chase victory when Scott Quigley’s penalty brought them back on level terms with Tranmere midway through the second half.
However, a red card moments later for Harrison Biggins put a different spin on the closing stages and Jolley was pleased with the way his side reacted to that to ensure they protected the result.
“I think we’ve got to be happy, given the circumstances and the way the game went but it was a hard-earned and well-deserved point,” Jolley told iFollow.
“I thought we started the game really well and were the better side for 20 minutes, then there was a period where they got on top and obviously scored their goal.
“We spoke at half-time about playing with a bit more intensity, playing forward more and in Tranmere’s half more often – I think we did that and we started to get on top.
“We got back in to it with the penalty, which was excellent, but then the red card comes which changes the complexion of the game.
“I need to see the incident back again but we’ve gone from being elated and thinking about stepping on try and win the game to then having to sacrifice Luke James who was growing in to the game.
“I was delighted with the response. It was a difficult situation for the last 20 minutes or so but the lads put a real shift in to defend our goal and Joel Dixon made some good saves and we defended the point we have.
“We’re really grateful for the support the fans gave us tonight; they really got behind us and I think that made a difference during the last 20 minutes.”
Keep an eye on iFollow Barrow for the full post-match video interview with Michael Jolley.