We turn our attentions to the Papa John's Trophy with a full and in-depth preview of this evening's action at The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Barrow v Fleetwood Town
Tuesday 5th October 2021, 7.45pm
The Dunes Hotel Stadium
Papa John’s Trophy
In Opposition
Fleetwood Town are attempting to recover from a disappointing start to the new campaign which saw them lose each of their opening three League One fixtures.
Simon Grayson’s side have certainly been more difficult to beat since then and their home defeat to Charlton Athletic at the weekend was their first loss since August.
Fleetwood thumped Leicester City’s Under-21s in their first group fixture, meaning a victory at The Dunes Hotel Stadium tonight would clinch their progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
This evening’s fixture throws up a couple of connections in that Joe Grayson is Town boss Simon’s son, while former Bluebirds boss David Dunn is Assistant Manager of The Cod Army. Midfielder Harrison Biggins could also feature after spending time on loan at Barrow last season.
One To Watch
Young front man Gerard Garner has been a man in form for Fleetwood Town in recent weeks as he’s helped himself to four goals in his last six outings.
Still only 22, Garner has come through the ranks at Highbury and has gained senior experience with a number of loan spells – most recently with Gateshead last season.
However, he’s earned a chance to shine in Town’s First Team this term and has begun to repay Simon Grayson’s faith with goals – particularly when he kept his cool from the penalty spot to salvage an unlikely point against Sunderland last month.
Referee
Robert Lewis will take charge of his first Barrow game of the new season when he’s on the whistle for our Papa John’s Trophy encounter with Fleetwood Town.
The official saw us in action twice last term, overseeing our 2-1 defeat at Newport County and our 1-0 home loss to Harrogate Town.
An experienced referee, Lewis’ last appointment came on Saturday when he presided over Swindon Town’s 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers in League Two.
Tickets
Tickets for tonight’s game are available in advance online right now, from Main Reception (card payment only) from 2pm and then from the Fan Zone Ticket Booth from 5pm (cash and card payment).
Click here for all the information you need on buying tickets for tonight’s game.
Live Streaming
All of our Papa John’s group stage fixtures are being streamed live on iFollow, meaning Bluebirds fans can watch the action as it unfolds whether they’re in the UK or abroad this evening.
All you need to do is ensure you’re signed-up for a FREE iFollow account and then you can add a Video Match Pass for this tonight’s game then sit back and enjoy all the action live.
Click here to add your Match Pass 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 regular summariser John Goodwin for full coverage of tonight’s game.
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.
Competition Rules
If the game is level after 90 minutes, then both sides will be awarded one point.
However, a penalty shootout will then take place and the side which wins will also be awarded a bonus point.
Betting
Fleetwood Town have been installed as 5/4 favourites to win the game in 90 minutes, with Barrow rated a 19/10 shot and a price of 2/1 is available on the game going to penalties.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of this evening’s game.