Barrow’s unbeaten run in League Two continued last night. A late Emile Acquah strike secured a deserved point away at Accrington Stanley.
Sean McConville opened the scoring for the visitors after a header ricocheted off of David Worrall and into the winger’s path, who converted from close range.
Substitute Acquah then scored late on to ensure the spoils were shared, in the final tickings of normal time. Junior Tiensia, who also provided a fine showing from the bench, played a low cross into the box which was powerfully turned into the bottom corner by the young forward.
Bluebirds boss Pete Wild was left happy after another impressive away performance.
“I’m really pleased. I thought that there was not a lot between the sides in the first half, it was pretty cagey. I thought that we dealt with their threat well, we shuffled across and let them have the ball.
“There was one ball into the box that we didn’t defend, which is really frustrating, as it’s something that we’re good at.”
The gaffer continued: “I asked the players to turn the tempo up and go after them at halftime, and we came out of the blocks well. Our substitutes also had a positive influence on the game.
“To get Tranmere and Accrington out of the way so early on is crucial. Accrington are very good at home, so to come here and get a point on the road is really pleasing.”
23-year-old Acquah netted his first Barrow goal against Sutton United at the weekend, and looked impressive once again, this time from the bench.
Wild praised his impact and explained why he was not included from the outset.
“People will have questioned why Emile didn’t start, but we have to be careful with him. He’s come from part-time football, and what we don’t want to do is make it so his race is already run before it even starts.
“He’s an unknown quantity, people don’t know a lot about him and he’s going under the radar. If he keeps playing like that, then he will not be an unknown quantity for very long.
“He’s a great lad, he wants to learn, he wants to get better, and plays with a smile on his face which is when we get the best from him.”
Another absentee from the Bluebirds’ starting XI was first-choice shot-stopper Paul Farman. Wild elaborated on his situation: “Paul has had a little tweak of his quad. Obviously, one of his biggest strengths is his kicking, so we didn’t want to risk that.
“We’ve had it scanned and hopefully it won’t be too long, but whilst he’s not between the sticks, we have a fantastic replacement in Josh [Lillis].
“He brings a wealth of experience and calmness to the team. He is a top professional and great to have on my coaching team as well as in the playing squad.”
The Bluebirds currently sit second in the league, with a trip to Stockport County on the horizon.
