We take a closer look at this weekend's season finale with a full and in-depth preview of Northampton Town's visit to The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Barrow v Northampton Town
Saturday 7th May 2022, 3pm
The Dunes Hotel Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Northampton Town arrive at The Dunes Hotel Stadium knowing that one more win should be enough to secure their instant return to League One following last term’s relegation.
The Cobblers are currently in pole position for the final automatic promotion spot but have no fewer than four clubs breathing down their neck, hoping they slip up in Cumbria this weekend.
Having had an indifferent start to the 2022/23 campaign following their drop into League Two, Town got their act together to drive into promotion contention and three wins from the last four have seen them nudge into third place.
Boss Jon Brady was handed the reins on a permanent basis during the summer after he was promoted from the club’s Academy to succeed Keith Curle last February.
The Australian coach has previous experience of leading teams to promotion having won the Southern Premier title in a former role at Brackley Town so will be hoping to add another honour to his CV on Saturday.
One To Watch
Mitch Pinnock has been a revelation since arriving at Sixfields last summer after turning down the offer of a new contract with Scottish Premiership outfit, Kilmarnock.
The influential winger has been one of The Cobblers’ star performers during their drive to return to League Two, featuring in every league game and helping himself to nine goals.
Pinnock has scored in each of Town’s last two games and if he could make it three in three this weekend it could prove to be his most precious goal yet – it will be Barrow’s job to keep him quiet.
Head To Head
Saturday’s game will be the 16th competitive encounter between Barrow and Northampton Town – and it’s The Cobblers who have the better record having won 10 in comparison to The Bluebirds’ four triumphs.
You have to go back to August 1971 for Town’s last visit to Barrow and they left with maximum points after a 1-0 success and went on to complete the Division Four double two months later.
Barrow’s last victory over Northampton was the previous season when goals from Malcolm Russell and Mick Hollis ensured a 2-1 triumph.
Referee
Ross Joyce will take on his third Bluebirds appointment of the season on Saturday when he’s the man in the middle for our League Two meeting with Northampton Town.
The experienced official was on the whistle for our 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at The Dunes Hotel Stadium in August, while he also oversaw our ridiculous FA Cup tie against Barnsley at Oakwell in January.
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday’s game are available to fans in advance online and from The Dunes Hotel Stadium which will remain open until 4.30pm on Friday afternoon.
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 Saturday’s game.
Live Streaming
Due to restrictions over the broadcast of live Saturday afternoon football, unfortunately we will not be able to provide a live stream of our game against Northampton Town to fans in the UK.
However, Bluebirds supporters based outside of the UK will be able to access a live video feed on iFollow as usual and can buy their Video Match Passes right now.
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 Saturday’s season finale as we continue the partnership with our friends at BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson, who will once more be alongside John Goodwin as the pair describe all the action as it unfolds against The Cobblers.
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
Northampton Town have been installed as 4/7 favourites to collect three points on Saturday, while The Bluebirds are rated a 9/2 shot for victory and a draw can be backed at odds of 11/4.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of Sky Bet’s markets ahead of Saturday’s game.