Pete Wild gives his thoughts, as the focus shifts to the Papa John’s Trophy and the trip to face Bolton Wanderers in the Round of 32.
Barrow reached the Round of 32 after a strong showing in Group G; a victory over Carlisle United and a shootout win away at Fleetwood Town was enough to see Barrow through as runners-up to Manchester United U21. The only defeat in the Group Stage was at the hands of United and an injury time strike from Europa League hero Alejandro Garnacho.
When asked about his thoughts on the knockout stages of competition, Wild stated that it’s a competition he certainly wants to succeed in:
“We certainly want to do well in the Papa John’s Trophy. We’re only four games away from Wembley, so why wouldn’t you want to go out there and try and get to Wembley?
Wild's side will travel to the University of Bolton Stadium for Barrow's first endeavor into the knockout stages of this competition since the return to the EFL as National League champions in 2020.
“We want to do well and we are all excited by the draw, and with not having a game next Saturday with our FA Cup exit, that’ll allow us to look at this fixture differently and really go at the game.
“It’ll be a very tough test, as we are going to a team in Bolton that are doing really well in the league above.
"So, let’s challenge ourselves and let’s see where we are and what challenges we can overcome from a team that is flying in League One.”
As every Bluebirds fan is likely aware, there will be a very familiar face in the opposing dugout in the form of former Barrow boss Ian Evatt; the man who oversaw the end of Barrow’s 48-year Football League exile.
Pete Wild has been in the opposing dugout to Evatt before, when his FC Halifax Town side were 2-1 victors at Holker Street in the early stages of the 2019/20 season.
Barrow fans can still purchase tickets at the SO Legal Stadium up until Noon, or order online for collection.
Tickets must be collected by Noon, or any uncollected tickets will be sent to the University of Bolton Stadium for collection from Bolton's ticket office.