Town went into this game on the back of a convincing win at high flying Anstey Town so were full of confidence. It was never going to be easy against an improving Barrow side.
The game began with Town if full control in hot conditions. Town have been getting off to flyers in their previous games and this was no different as within 10 minutes Pullen played a reverse ball through for Jelly to run onto and slot the ball home to make it 1-0. 2 minutes later and Jelly should have made it 2 when he was again put clean through but this time fired straight at the keeper. Next it was Hardy’s turn as he was put clean through, he managed to round the keeper but was pushed wide and as he cut back inside his effort was cleared off the line. It really was 1 way traffic and Barrow didn’t threaten. Jelly then wasted another opportunity as again Hardy put him through but once again he fired straight at the keeper this time from a tighter angle. 10 minutes before half time Jelly once again missed a golden opportunity when he met corner 3 yards out but managed to scuff his header when it seemed harder to miss. Town were then caught with a sucker punch when a cross from the right caught keeper Smith out and it floated over his head and into the far corner. It was a completely unfair score line but Town only had themselves to blame after wasting so many chances. HT Barrow 1-1 LTFC.
The second half began with Town still asleep and with 4 minutes were 2-1 down. Smith had already made a superb 1 on 1 save to deny the striker but there was nothing he could do a minute later when Cossu gave the ball away and the Barrow midfielder cracked an effort into the top corner. Town responded well and set up camp in the Barrow final third and just before the hour mark Jelly played in Hardy on the left who cut back inside and curled an effort into the top corner from 20 yards. Town continued to push but the game was far scrappier than the first half. Town were handed the game on a plate when with 20 minutes left Hardy went down in the area to earn his side a penalty. Skipper Silk stepped up but completely missed the target! Town still pushed with Jelly cracking in an effort from the right but the rebound just wouldn’t fall to a Town player. Town continued to push but were almost caught out in injury time when Barrow hit the post. A draw was an unfair result but Town must learn to take chances and punish sides. Town now entertain title chasing St Andrews on Tuesday evening.
