Barrow AFC Continues Unbeaten Pre-Season Run
Barrow AFC's unbeaten pre-season run continued on Saturday, as the Bluebirds beat Blackpool 2-0 at Holker Street. The historic game marked Barrow AFC's 125th anniversary.
What Happened?
In what was a historic game, Adam Murray's team continued their good run of form ahead of the new season courtesy of goals from Rekeem Harper and Innes Cameron. The National League side's victory over Football League opposition is yet another step forward for the newly relegated operation as it approaches matchday one in the National League against Hartlepool.
Why It Matters for Barrow
The fixture was not only a great run-out for the Bluebirds, but the fact it commemorated the club's first competitive match, which was also played against Blackpool in September 1901, made it all the sweeter for AFC fans. Ian Evatt's Blackpool made the brighter start and had the more goal-scoring chances - Niall Ennis came close twice, as did Karoy Anderson in the 29th minute.
What Comes Next?
However, Barrow's Harper capitalised on a mistake from the Seasiders' goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, scoring just before the half-time break. Both managers made changes at half-time, and the Bluebirds kept the pressure on the Seasiders as the game got back underway. Substitute Cameron then headed home Barrow's second goal in the 78th minute, leaving the Bluebirds in a good position to see out the game.
Barrow AFC has two friendlies remaining before the beginning of the National League season - they will play a behind-closed-doors match against Notts County, and then face Morecambe on Saturday, August 1. Speaking after the win to BBC Cumbria Sport, Murray said: “We are at the stage now where we don’t want pre-season games, we have to turn the games into real games - and we did that today, and we did it second half at Mansfield.”
The Bluebirds have two friendlies remaining before the beginning of the National League season - they will play a behind-closed-doors match against Notts County, and then face Morecambe on Saturday, August 1. Speaking after the win to BBC Cumbria Sport, Murray said: “We are at the stage now where we don’t want pre-season games, we have to turn the games into real games - and we did that today, and we did it second half at Mansfield.”
As Barrow AFC approaches matchday one in the National League against Hartlepool, they are getting closer to knowing their starting XI. Murray said: “In some positions, yes. I think in some positions we have got really good competition. There is a case for horses for courses in certain games, and that is why we need the squad we need to make sure that if we think a certain tactic or a certain game plan works against someone then we will change for that reason. Hartlepool will be the same when we dig our teeth into that, we will pick a team that we believe will go and win that.”
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 24th in League Two, 36 pts, 9W-9D-28L from 46 games, recent form LLLWL. Goals this season: 45 scored, 78 conceded (-33 goal difference). Title race: 51 points behind leaders Bromley. Last result: Barrow 1-2 Newport County (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
