Rob Kelly has insisted that his players should be enthused by the challenge that awaits them when they take on table-toppers Cheltenham Town at The Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Tuesday.
The caretaker boss has overseen back-to-back victories for The Bluebirds, meaning his squad will embark on the long trip to Gloucestershire in good heart and full of confidence.
Kelly reckons that Barrow could do worse than take a leaf out of The Robins’ book when it comes to building a club to challenge in the EFL and is full of praise for the job being done by boss Michael Duff.
“It’s a great game for us,” Kelly commented.
“Top of the league, away from home on a Tuesday night under the lights. It would be better if there was a crowd there and we’ll miss the fans - but we know it will still be a good game.
“They’re a good team and I really think Michael has done a fantastic job there. The club has been excellent there too and I definitely think they’re someone we can look at, take some of the things they have done and perhaps apply them ourselves.
“Michael has built not just a good team but a strong base and it’s a club that is definitely moving forward so we know it’s a big challenge, but it will be for them as well so we’re looking forward to it.”
Kelly was also in charge when Cheltenham visited The Progression Solicitors Stadium just before Christmas when The Bluebirds produced one of their best performances of the campaign in a 3-0 triumph.
However, Duff’s in-form side have tasted defeat just twice since their trip to Cumbria and maintained their position at the top of the table with an impressive 1-0 win at Exeter City over the weekend.
“We played well against them and got a really good result so I am sure they will be out to try and correct that – I know that’s what I would be like if the shoe was on the other foot,” Kelly explained.
“They are challenging to go up automatically and they’re up there for a reason so it’s a tough challenge but a good one because you always want to test yourselves against the best.
“I have watched their game from Saturday, and I thought they played really well but we’re doing alright ourselves at the moment.
“We’re not getting carried away, but we’ll go there and be competitive and try to do everything we can to give us a chance of getting a positive result.”
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