Barrow AFC

After another solid result at the weekend to keep their unbeaten streak at Holker Street going, Pete Wild’s side will be hoping to continue that momentum with a win away to Forest Green Rovers. 

The Bluebirds’ previous game against AFC Wimbledon was another which showed the defensive capabilities of the side, with a 0-0 draw extending their unbeaten run at home, also giving Wild’s side their first home clean sheet this season. 

The first half began, and the game was very end-to-end for both sides however, neither team created many if not any clear-cut chances. This was the story of the game for both sides for most of the game. However, in the second half after Barrow made their substitutions, there was a clear momentum shift in the way of the Bluebirds. Yet the same issues prevented them from making the pass which would result in the goal to win them the game. This then saw the game end in a 0-0 draw. 

Going into tonight’s game, Barrow currently sits 15th in League Two, eight points ahead of today's opponent Forest. They currently sit in 22nd, on the same points as 21st & 23rd place in the league. So, a win for Forest Green could see them rise to 21st and create a gap between themselves and the relegation places. However, for Barrow a win could see them climb up to 10th in the league if results elsewhere go their way. 

Team news 

Saturday’s game saw the return of George Ray at center-back, who looked like he’d never been away, and no other players suffered an injury during the game. Ben Whitfield also made his first start of the season at the weekend to complete his comeback from injury. So, this means The Gaffer will have another strong squad to pick from tonight, and we can expect a strong starting XI to feature.  

The opposition. 

Forest Green currently sits seven places below Barrow in League Two, with eight fewer points. In Forest Green’s last game, they played at home to Colchester United and won 5-0. However, it is worth noting Colchester are one place below them in the relegation spots. Another positive for them going into their game on Tuesday is that they’ve just achieved their third league win, so they will be full of confidence with another home game on the horizon to build more momentum. The win against Colchester meant they ended their losing streak of six consecutive matches in the league, after a win against another relegation rival. 

Taking a look at the opposition, there are plenty of players who could hurt Barrow and cause a threat in the game. The main man to watch out for is Forest Green’s top scorer and striker, Matthew Stevens. He is currently on five goals after 12 games and is already looking a strong part of the side. He also came off the bench in their previous game and scored a brace, so Forest Green manager David Horseman could be forced into making him part of the first XI tomorrow. Another important player to watch out for is experienced striker Troy Deeney. A player who joined Forest Green this summer, after spending last season in the Championship at Birmingham City and is currently on four goals and one assist after 10 games this season. 

Head-to-Head 

Barrow last played Forest Green, in the 2021/22 season, in which they beat them at the Holker Street stadium yet failed to deliver down in Gloucestershire. In the home leg of the fixture, the Bluebirds won 4-0 with goals coming from John Rooney, Aaron Holloway, Joe Grayson, and Matty Platt. As for the away fixture, down at the New Lawn stadium, it ended in victory for Forest Green. Who on the day triumphed 2-0 with a brace from Matthew Stevens. 

Many Barrow fans will have extremely fond memories of the Bluebirds' visit here back in 2021 when goals from Scott Quigley and Bobby Thomas secured a 2-0 win for Barrow and in doing so guaranteed their place in the Football League for another season.   

Referee 

The man in charge tomorrow is Tom Reeves who has previously refereed the Bluebirds on four occasions. Last season he refereed us at the SO Legal Stadium on two occasions, and unfortunately, the Bluebird lost both encounters. Those games in question were a 3-1 loss to Northampton Town and a 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers. 

Tonight, he will be joined by Andrew Aylott, and Jacob Lehane, whilst Gareth Viccars will be the fourth official. 

Tickets 

We have been allocated 200 tickets in the West Terrace and tickets will be available to be purchased on the night at the New Lawn Stadium. 

Ticket Prices are as follows: