Pete Wild reflected upon a ‘solid performance’ as Barrow earned a point away at Newport County.
A second-half Dean Campbell penalty ensured that the spoils were shared at Rodney Parade.
The hosts were awarded a spot kick of their own in the opening 45, as George Ray was deemed to have tripped Will Evans by referee Martin Coy. Omar Bogle stepped up but fired against the upright.
However, County eventually managed to take the lead before the interval, thanks to Shane McLoughlin, who left Paul Farman with no chance by powering into the top corner from just inside the area.
The dismissal of Newport’s Ryan Delaney after 43 minutes allowed the Bluebirds to take control, but a winning goal eventually alluded them.
Wild was pleased with yet another strong away showing at full-time, stating: “I thought we started really well, I thought we were on the front foot. We got into the areas that we thought we were gonna get into and created some really good chances.
“I was really happy with our passing and how we were moving the football early on. Apart from those five minutes that they had just before and after their goal, we were in complete control of the football match. I’m really pleased with how they’ve played.
“We’ve got eight points from five away games – it’s fantastic. At times last year, it was labeled that we didn’t pick up enough points on the road. So we’re moving along at a good rate in terms of points per game.”
Despite heaping praise onto his side, the Gaffer was still able to identify the areas in which Barrow needed to improve on.
He continued: “Our Achilles heel that’s let us down the most is our final third play, which we’ve worked all week on weirdly enough. So, when we should be whipping the ball in, we’re hanging it up, and when we should be passing, we’re shooting, and vice versa.
“Our decision-making in the final third is what has stopped us getting three points, however, the fact that we’re disappointed with a point on the road shows just how far the football club has come.”
The referee seemingly took center stage at points of the contest. Coy handed out four yellow cards within the first 30 minutes, issued a red before the half-time whistle had been blown, and gave two penalties that will be debated by both sides.
The Bluebirds’ 39-year-old boss shared his thoughts on the performance of the officials.
“I don’t think the referee gave himself anywhere to go, and I don’t think either of the penalties were penalties. Every foul seemed to bring a yellow card, so I don’t think he helped the football match in any way, shape or form.”
Following an 11-day hiatus, Barrow faces another week without a game. They are next in action on Saturday and again face a trip away from Cumbria to Mansfield Town who currently sit fifth, after a 1-1 draw with Colchester United yesterday.
