Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's game with our full and in-depth preview of Hartlepool United's visit to Holker Street.
Barrow v Hartlepool United
Saturday 14th August 2021, 3pm
Holker Street
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Hartlepool United clinched a glorious return to the Football League last term when they overcame Torquay United on penalties at the end of a dramatic National League Play-Off Final in June.
It marked the end of four-year absence for Pools, who has slipped out of League Two in heart-breaking circumstances at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
The appointment of Dave Challinor in November 2019 proved the catalyst for promotion as he quietly set about building a robust squad capable of challenging at the top of the National League.
They had to do it the hard way in the play-offs after finishing fourth, but they saw off both Bromley and Stockport County to reach the Final at Ashton Gate which went their way on spot kicks.
Challinor’s men enjoyed an encouraging start to their League Two campaign last weekend when over 5,000 watched them defeat Crawley Town on home soil thanks to Gavan Holohan’s late strike.
One To Watch
Long-serving midfielder Nicky Featherstone has overcome the doubters to become a huge fans’ favourite at Victoria Park and he has recently been installed as the new Club Captain.
Featherstone has been patrolling the Victoria Park engine room since 2014 and promotion last term tasted sweeter for him having played in the team which was relegated four years ago.
A stylish performer who can dictate games from the centre of the park, The Bluebirds will need to ensure he doesn’t have that level of impact at Holker Street this weekend.
Head To Head
Saturday’s game will be the 92nd competitive meeting between the two sides and Hartlepool have the edge historically having won 37 times in comparison to The Bluebirds’ 33 triumphs.
The Victoria Park outfit won on their last visit to Holker Street thanks to Ryan Donaldson’s second half goal but this weekend will make the first EFL meeting since April 1972.
Referee
Rebecca Welsh will take charge of her first EFL game of the new season when she is on the whistle for this weekend’s encounter with Hartlepool United at Holker Street.
A highly respected official, Welsh made history towards the end of last term when she became the first female referee to oversee a Football League game.
Tickets
Barrow fans can save money by buying tickets for this game in advance, either online or from Main Reception.
Click here for full ticket information for Saturday's fixture.
Live Streaming
We are not allowed to live stream games in the UK between the hours of 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday so this weekend’s game will not be available to domestic supporters.
Bluebirds fans outside of the UK will be able to access a live stream via iFollow and you can purchase the match in the usual way ahead of kick-off.
Live Commentary
We will be providing live online audio commentary from every game this season as we continue our link-up with BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson, who will be joined by John Goodwin for full coverage of Saturday’s game against Hartlepool.
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.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Betting
Barrow have been installed as 29/20 favourites for three points this weekend, while Pools are rated a 7/4 shot for victory and the draw is priced at 9/4.
Click here for a full list of markets and odds ahead of Saturday's game.