Pete Wild’s side finished off pre-season in style as they saw off Newcastle U21s 4-1 at the SO Legal Stadium. Emile Acquah, David Worrall, Niall Canavan, and Jamie Proctor all scored first-half goals as Wild’s men ran riot at Holker Street on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a series of illnesses within the camp Barrow still managed to field a strong line-up and started the game very positively.
The Bluebirds recorded their first effort on goal only 20 seconds in when Elliot Newby cut the ball back for Proctor who cleverly spun on the edge of the box before firing a low shot towards goal which was easily gathered by the keeper.
Barrow continued to dominate the early proceedings and was eventually rewarded for efforts in the 21st minute when Acquah fired home from close range after Canavan’s original effort was cleared off the line following a teasing in swinging corner from Worrall.
Four minutes later the lead was doubled when Worrall curled home a beautiful free kick from the edge of the area, leaving Will Brown helpless in the Magpies goal.
The Bluebirds were three goals up 13 minutes later after Dean Campbell whipped in a dangerous corner which was kindly headed across goal by Proctor to Canavan who headed home.
Barrow continued their ruthlessness in front of goal and were four up in the final minute of the half. Campbell was at the center of a slick passing when he threaded a ball through to Rory Feely, the Irishman then cut the ball back for Proctor who curled it home from six yards.
After the break, the young Geordie's grew into the game and managed to score a constellation goal in the 56th minute when Amadou Diallo curled in a free-kick into the bottom left corner.
Wild’s men nearly had a fabulous fifth goal on the hour when Paul Farman launched a kick out to the right wing where substitute Ben Whitfield fired a low cross into Acquah whose back heel didn’t quite come off.
That proved to be the final notable chance of the afternoon with Barrow rounding off what has been a fine pre-season, full of unique challenges along the way.
Barrow XI: Farman, Canavan, Ray (Reeve 67), Feely (Etaluku), Newby, Worrall (Whitfield 61), Campbell, White (Tiensia 67), Gotts, Proctor, Acquah (Duffus 77).