We continue our reflection on the past campaign with a focus on September when The Bluebirds enjoyed a strong run of form and scored some wonderful goals.
After the hectic nature of the season’s opening month, September had a more laid-back feel to it with only four fixtures in the diary for The Bluebirds.
And it started well when Mark Cooper’s men – wearing their new pink away kit for the first time – destroyed Oldham Athletic with a brilliant performance and 3-0 midweek win at Boundary Park. The 500 travelling Barrow fans certainly enjoyed themselves as Ollie Banks, Offrande Zanzala and Joe Grayson all found the net.
A Friday night meeting with Colchester United was next up and it certainly provided plenty of talking points – if not the right result for The Bluebirds. Jordan Stevens pounced on an error to put Barrow 1-0 up, but Colchester came back to lead by half time. Cooper’s men looked favourites for victory when the visitors were reduced to ten men and Ollie Banks equalised from the spot on 76 minutes – but The U’s snatched a winner four minutes later and James Jones saw red in injury time.
Cooper changed his approach for the following weekend’s visit to Bradford City. Banks was played in a more defensive role and his side produced a wonderful passing performance which saw them move in front midway through the first half when Josh Kay scored a beauty from long range. There was panic across The Utilita Energy Stadium the longer the game went on with Barrow in front, but The Bantams managed to draw level on the hour and that’s how it stayed. The players were cheered off by a wonderful travelling contingent of nearly 600 fans.
Another Friday night match at The Dunes Hotel Stadium saw Newport County in opposition and The Exiles were in great form during the first half and led at the break thanks to Finn Azaz’s goal. However, Barrow turned it around in style in the second half when Josh Kay levelled before Josh Gordon whipped home an incredible winner 12 minutes from the end.
Moment of the Month
It was a good month for The Bluebirds but Josh Gordon’s brilliant goal in the victory over Newport County was a moment that would have taken some topping. The driving run and powerful, curling finish was worthy of the three points as was the textbook knee-slide celebration!
Playing Record
