We turn our attentions to the Good Friday action with a full and in-depth preview of Newport County's visit to The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
Barrow v Newport County
Friday 2nd April 2021, 3pm
The Progression Solicitors Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Newport County arrive in Cumbria this weekend eager to return to action after a two-week break and aiming to put back-to-back defeats behind them.
Despite those losses, Michael Flynn’s men remain in good shape and occupy the final play-off spot in the table ahead of the Easter Weekend.
Indeed, if The Exiles are just six points behind third-placed Tranmere Rovers so if they can return to the early season form that saw them sit top of the pile then they could yet have a say in the automatic promotion picture.
After coming close to promotion in 2018 when they lost in the Play-Off Final to Tranmere, County fans will be hoping this can be their year to reach League One.
One To Watch
Michael Flynn bolstered his attacking options during the January transfer window when front man Nicky Maynard was drafted in on loan from Mansfield Town.
A graduate of the famed Crewe Alexandra Academy, Maynard made The Railwaymen £2.25million when he made a switch to Bristol City in 2012, while he also made big money moves to West Ham United and Cardiff City.
More recently, he got back on the goal trail with Bury in 2018/19 before his move to Mansfield and he’s a player who Barrow will have to keep a close eye on during Friday’s contest.
Head To Head
Barrow and Newport County have locked horns 21 times over the years and the record is pretty balanced, with eight wins for The Bluebirds and nine for The Exiles.
This Friday will be County’s first visit to Barrow in the Football League since 1971/72, although they did win 3-0 when they last made the trip in the National League in September 2012.
Referee
Premier League referee Lee Mason will return to action for the first time since the end of February when he takes charge of our Good Friday meeting with Newport County.
The vastly experienced official’s last appointment was West Brom’s 1-0 top flight win over Brighton & Hove Albion at The Hawthorns.
Mason has been on the circuit since 2002/03 and has been on the Premier League’s list of referees since 2006.
Betting
Newport County have been installed as 6/4 favourites for three points on Friday, with Barrow rated a 15/8 shot for victory and the draw priced up 2/1 with our friends at Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at Sky Bet’s range of odds on Friday’s action.
Live Streaming
Match Passes to watch Good Friday’s game live on iFollow Barrow are now available so that you can enjoy every second of the action as we go up against Newport County.
Season Ticket holders are still able to enjoy complimentary access to home games and your iFollow accounts should now have been upgraded.
Click here now to buy your Match Pass for Good Friday.
Live Commentary
We will also provide an audio commentary of Friday’s game when we link up with BBC Radio Cumbria who will describe every kick from our clash with The Exiles.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.