After another impressive performance against a Salford City side expected to be high up the league come May. Pete Wild’s men face another challenge in a local derby tonight.
In the last fixture, the Bluebirds played a home game to Salford and drew 0-0, extending their unbeaten run at home. They also limited Salford to minimal chances and George Ray superbly kept Matt Smith out of the game and helped the side keep another clean sheet, a third on the bounce.
The game statistically went in favour of Salford, who had the majority of possession throughout the game. However, when taking a closer look into the stats of the game, it is clear that Barrow had a higher quality of chances during the game.
As they head into the next game against Morecambe, Barrow currently sits 11th in the league, with 22 points. As for Morecambe, they are currently in sixth place with 27 points however, Barrow currently holds a game in hand over the Shrimps. If Barrow wins, then that would take them up to 25 points and to eighth place in the league. However, if Morecambe wins then they could rise to second in the league.
Team News
Going into Tuesday night’s game Rory Feely could be a doubt after being forced off through injury at the weekend.
The Opposition
Taking a look at the opposition, Morecambe is currently set to have a season that could see them finish in the playoffs. However, their away form to date currently stands at three wins and three losses. This could be an advantage to Pete Wild’s side who have one of the best home forms in the division, so will be optimistic about keeping that run of form going.
Last season Morecambe played their football in League One, in which they finished 22nd and were relegated as a result. So, going into the current season, the objective to gain promotion would’ve been the aim. So now going back to this current season, in their previous fixture, Morecambe beat AFC Wimbledon 4-1, who are currently one place above Barrow in 10th. Looking into Morecambe’s recent form, they haven’t lost a league game since they lost to Gillingham 2-1 in mid-September.
Now to take a look at some players to watch out for. The first being Morecambe striker Michael Mellon. He is currently the top scorer for Morecambe this season with a total of nine goals. He is also pivotal to the way they play as he is the lone striker and does a lot for the team, in terms of build-up play. Another player who will be important is John McKiernan, currently on four goals this season, he will be influential in helping the squad build any attacks and helping create chances to score goals.
Head-To-Head
Looking towards the two oppositions, the last time Barrow and Morecambe played each other in the league was the 2020/21 season. In the first fixture they played Morecambe ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Carlos Mendes goal in the 12th minute of the game. As for the return fixture at Holker Street, Morecambe also came out 2-1 winners against Michael Jolley’s side. Morecambe went ahead in the game 1-0 from an Aaron Wildig goal in the 24th minute, and it wasn’t until the 65th minute when Barrow showed signs of a comeback. Scott Quigley scored to make the game 1-1 and to bring Barrow back into the game. However, the jubilation didn’t last long, as right-back Kelvin Mellor scored to make it 2-1 and win Morecambe the derby.
This season the teams have obviously met in the EFL Trophy when a much-changed Barrow side was defeated 3-1 however, it’s worth noting Barrow’s goal came in spectacular fashion as Ben Whitfield scored directly from a corner.
Referee
The man in charge of the game tonight is Benjamin Speedie who will be a familiar face to many Barrow fans with him having refereed us five times previously. The last time he took charge of a Barrow game was in February when Colchester United scored a 96th minute equaliser to break Barrow’s hearts.
We do also have some fond memories when Speedie’s been the referee, most notably when he took charge of our EFL Cup game against Blackpool last season when we were victorious on penalty kicks.
Tonight, he will be joined by Conor Brown, Mark Cuncliffe and Martin Woods.
Ticket Info
Tickets can be purchased both online and in person at Holker Street.
Main stand tickets (Purchased in advance)
Adults- £20
Seniors (65+)- £17
18-21- £17
15-17- £7
7- 14 (Accompanied by an adult)- £7
Under 7s- Free (Accompanied by an adult)
Terrace Tickets (Purchased in advance)
Adults- £18
Seniors (65+)- £15
18-21- £15
15-17- £6
7- 14 (Accompanied by an adult)- £6
Under 7s- Free (Accompanied by an adult)
Main stand tickets (Purchased on the day)
Adults- £22
Seniors (65+)- £18
18-21- £18
15-17- £8
7- 14 (Accompanied by an adult)- £8
Under 7s- Free (Accompanied by an adult)
Terrace tickets (Purchased on the day)
Adults- £20
Seniors (65+)- £16
18-21- £16
15-17- £7
7- 14 (Accompanied by an adult)- £7
-Under 7s- Free (Accompanied by an adult)
