Barrow maintained their perfect pre-season record by beating Preston North End at the SO Legal Stadium.
A first-half strike from new signing David Worrall ensured that the first home outing of the campaign ended in victory. Pete Wild’s side have now triumphed in each of their three pre-season outings, previously scalping FC United of Manchester and Holker Old Boys.
The Bluebirds started well and broke the deadlock almost immediately. Five minutes into the contest, Elliot Newby pulled to ball back to Dean Campbell who threaded it through to Ged Garner. The number ten subsequently squared it to new man Worrall who netted his first for Barrow.
Midway through the opening 45, Preston began to threaten. The visitors attacked down the right through Brad Potts, who headed past Paul Farman into the path of Ben Woodburn. The Welshman struck but was thwarted by a heroic goal-line block from Tyrell Warren.
This did not faze Wild’s men, as they continued to look assured and apply pressure to the Lilywhites’ backline. Newby was at the epicenter, once again showing his talent on the left flank.
He fizzed an identical cross to that from Garner in the opening exchanges. The striker was now on the receiving end and came within inches of poking home a second.
The final action of the first half showcased the talents of Farman, who was at full stretch to deny Robbie Brady’s pinpoint free-kick and keep the Bluebirds ahead at the break.
The second half sprung to life after twelve minutes, as Newby forced Freddie Woodman into a fantastic reaction save. Kian Spence orchestrated the move, threading through to the wing-back.
A new look side was introduced on the hour mark, with everybody apart from Farman being replaced. The substitutes adapted well and came close to doubling Barrow’s advantage shortly after their introduction.
George Ray sprayed the ball out to Courtney Duffus, who passed across the six-yard box. It landed slightly short of debutant Emile Acquah, who did well to get the ball under control. The talented forward eventually fashioned a chance, flashing the ball narrowly wide.
Preston came close to leveling the contest in the final ten minutes. Felipe Rodriguez breached the Barrow backline, but his shot only found the side netting.
The defence stood firm and secured an impressive victory. The lads will have their skills tested once more on Tuesday when we travel to Fylde.
Full time: Barrow 1-0 Preston North End
Starting XI: (3-5-2). Farman, Newby, Warren, Canavan, Feely, Worrall, Campbell, White, Spence, Proctor, Garner.
Final 30 minutes XI: (3-5-2). Farman, Ogungbo, Tiensia, Ray, Reeve, Whitfield, Bray, Foley, Gotts, Duffus, Acquah.
Attendance: 2026
Referee: Marc Edwards