We turn our attentions to the first fixture of an Easter weekend double header as we throw the spotlight on Forest Green Rovers' visit to The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Barrow v Forest Green Rovers
Friday 15th April 2022, 3pm
The Dunes Hotel Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Forest Green Rovers clinched their place in the Football League via the National League play-offs in 2017 and they’ve been knocking on the door of League One ever since.
The Nailsworth-based outfit made it to the League Two play-offs last term and in 2018/19 but they look more than likely to avoid having to bother with that footballing lottery this time around.
Rovers quickly emerged as one of the front runners for automatic promotion in 2021/22 and they’re now on the very brink of making club history by securing a spot in the third tier for the first time.
Whilst a slight wobble in form through February and into March has seen their lead at the top trimmed to five points, Rob Edwards’ men are 10 points clear of fourth-placed Mansfield Town and are within touching distance of promotion now.
One To Watch
Kane Wilson has proved a valuable acquisition for Forest Green Rovers since they snapped up the flying full-back following his release from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2020.
Blessed with great pace and dangerous dribbling skills, Wilson has been creating a big reputation for himself as one of Rovers’ most potent weapons during their charge to promotion.
Still only 22, he’s chipped in with three goals and several assists this term and will be relishing the chance to step up and test himself at League One level if and when Rovers do get of the line.
Head To Head
Barrow are looking to respond on Good Friday after being beaten 2-0 when the sides met at The New Lawn back in November.
However, The Bluebirds enjoyed a significant win over Rovers last term when 2-0 win in Gloucestershire secured EFL survival and they’ll be hoping for another important result on Friday.
Rovers’ last visit to The Dunes Hotel Stadium was in December 2020 when Barrow looked on course for three points after goals from Luke James and Dior Angus saw them come from behind to lead – only for Paul Cadden to level things with a thunderous free kick in extra time.
Referee
Seb Stockbridge will be on duty at The Dunes Hotel Stadium for a second time this season when he’s the man in the middle for our Good Friday tussle with Forest Green Rovers.
Now into his ninth season on the EFL’s list of referees, his last visit to Barrow was on New Year’s Day when he oversaw our 2-1 defeat to Bradford City on home soil.
Stockbridge’s most recent appointment was as referee of the Papa John’s Trophy Final between Rotherham United and Sutton United at Wembley at the start of the month.
Tickets
Tickets for Friday’s game are available to fans in advance online and from The Dunes Hotel Stadium which will remain open until 4.30pm on Thursday.
On the day of the game, tickets will be available from 10am from Main Reception (card payment only) and from the Ticket Booth in the Fan Zone from 12noon (cash and card payment).
Click here for all the information you need on buying tickets for Friday’s game.
Live Streaming
We’re delighted to confirm that, due to the game being played on a Bank Holiday, we’re able to provide a live stream online to supporters both in the UK and abroad.
Our live coverage will come complete with replays of all key moments and expert commentary from BBC Radio Cumbria duo Adam Johnson and John Goodwin.
Click here to add your Video Match Pass ahead of kick-off.
Live Commentary
iFollow is the only place that fans can listen to live online commentary of every game this season as we continue our link-up with our friends at BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson, who will once again be alongside John Goodwin as the pair describe all the action as it unfolds on Good Friday.
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
Forest Green Rovers have been installed as even money favourites for three points on Friday, while The Bluebirds are rated an 11/4 shot for victory and the draw is priced up at 11/5.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of this Friday’s game.