We turn our attentions to the weekend with a full and in-depth preview of Crawley Town's visit to The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
Barrow v Crawley Town
Saturday 20th March, 3pm
The Progression Solicitors Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
The play-offs seemed a long way off for Crawley Town just a month ago as a run of just one point from a possible 12 was capped by defeat at home to Stevenage.
However, John Yems’ men have rallied impressively since then and have tasted defeat just twice in their last eight League Two outings to creep right back into contention for a top seven spot.
They couldn’t quite make it four victories in a row in midweek at home to Walsall but Tom Nichols’ last minute penalty which salvaged a point in 1-1 draw could yet prove crucial in the final reckoning.
Town are 10th in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit to Barrow but are now just five points adrift of the top seven and have a game in hand on three of the four teams currently occupying the play-off zone.
One To Watch
Tom Nichols held his nerve to rescue a late point for Crawley Town on Tuesday night when he converted a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Walsall.
The front man has taken on an extra layer of pressure in recent weeks following the departure of Town’s top scorer Max Watters to Cardiff City during the January transfer window.
However, his partnership up front with former Carlisle United man Ashley Nadesan has been a source of encouragement for Crawley fans and Nicholls has hit the net four times in his last six games.
Head To Head
There’s not a lot in it when you look at the seven past meetings between the sides, with Barrow having won twice and Crawley enjoying victory on three occasions.
The Red Devils have won two of the last three meetings, including their 4-2 triumph at The People’s Pension Stadium earlier this season.
Barrow claimed the only away win this fixture has produced when Jason Walker’s late penalty earned three points for The Bluebirds at Crawley in October 2009.
Referee
Scott Oldham will return to The Progression Solicitors Stadium this weekend, having also refereed our historic first game back in the Football League against Stevenage in September.
Now in to his fourth season as an EFL referee, Oldham has presided over 24 games so far this term – most recently the goalless draw between Salford City and Colchester United at The Peninsula Stadium on Tuesday.
Betting
Barrow have been made 29/20 favourites for three points on Saturday, with visitors Crawley installed as a 7/4 bet for victory and a draw priced up at 9/4 with Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at Sky Bet’s range of odds on Saturday’s action.
Live Streaming
Match Passes to watch Saturday’s game live on iFollow Barrow are now available so that you can enjoy every second of the action as we go up against Crawley Town.
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 Saturday.
Live Commentary
We will also provide an audio commentary of Saturday’s game when we link up with BBC Radio Cumbria who will describe every kick from our clash with The Red Devils.
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.