Barrow made it four wins out of four in pre-season after they beat Fylde 2-0 in what was their toughest challenge yet.
Fylde arguably started the game the stronger side, but Barrow created more chances as the game developed and Ged Garner scored a stunning goal in the 58th minute to break the deadlock. Trialist E made sure of the victory late on when he scored from close range to ensure the Bluebirds' perfect start to pre-season continued.
The Coasters really should have opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Luke Charman’s low cross was met at the far post by Gold Omotayo who seemed certain to score, but Josh Lillis did superbly to quickly divert the ball onto the post.
Only a minute later Barrow had their first chance of the evening when Courtney Duffus curled in a great cross from the right wing into the middle of the area, where Emile Acquah headed over.
After withstanding a competitive opening 25 minutes Pete Wild’s men grew into the game. They were unfortunate not to be in front the 27th minute when Duffus’ header was cleared off the line following a pinpoint delivery from Elliot Newby’s corner.
Apart from those few chances, there wasn’t much goalmouth action in the opening half with both sides struggling to hold onto the ball in what was some pretty miserable conditions. It has to be said both side’s effort off the ball was immense with the game being played at a very intense tempo.
Wild made five changes at the break and one of his subs opened the scoring in sensational style in the 58th minute. Garner chested down a loose ball on the edge of the area before volleying it straight into the top corner, leaving the keeper motionless in the Fylde goal.
Barrow made another four changes on the hour mark which only seemed to make them stronger as they doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Trialist C curled a deep cross into the far post, where David Worrall hocked the ball to Garner, who squared it for Trialist E to tuck home from close range.
Fylde nearly scored a wondergoal of their own in the 81st minute when Nick Haughton’s corner was met by Siya Ligendza on the edge of the area. He showed some great technique to hit it on the volley but the ball sailed over the bar.
That proved to be the final chance of the evening with this game proving to be Barrow’s most challenging pre-season fixture to date. Fylde undoubtedly started the stronger side but the Bluebirds made a few tactical tweaks which helped them grow into the game and they deservedly ran out 2-0 winners.
Bluebirds XI: Lillis, Ray © (Canavan 61), Feely (Trialist B 45), Tiensia (Warren 61), Newby (Trialist C 45), Whitfield (Worrall 57), Campbell (Spence 45), Gotts ( White 45), Foley (Trialist A 61), Acquah (Garner 45), Duffus (Trialist E 61).