Review: Barrow AFC, Home(Pre Season)18/07/23

The Coasters kicked off their 4th pre-season fixture against EFL league 2 side Barrow. With games in the area called off due to localised flooding it was a credit to the ground staff that Kellamergh park’s pitch remained in a good condition for the duration. With both sides naming strong sides for the first half the game would be seen as a highly anticipated match between 2 sides separated by 1 division.

The game started off with a high intensity with tackles flying in left, right and centre following the patterns of previous games in the past albeit with different players and management teams. The Coasters seemed to dominate the opening periods, receiving a high amount of possession in the Bluebirds half but with little reward. The Coasters' press from Omatayo, Charman and Ustabasi was impressive, often restricting Barrow to go long or even put the ball out for a throw-in. The first real chance came on the 10 minute mark when good work from Pierce Bird and Luke Charman created an opportunity for Connor Barrett at the back post who seemed to strike the ball against the post with his angles narrowed by ex-coasters goalkeeper Josh Lillis. As like game’s in the past the Referee’s whistle was busier than either goalkeeper with freekicks being handed out every few minutes. Jon Ustabasi was the victim of 2 of these freekicks being brutally sieved down and getting elbowed in the face which would have received a worse punishment for the away side had this been a league match. Gold Omatayo also could’ve received caution for a shove on Ben Whitfield which sparked a minor reaction out of the Barrow man. The game followed this scrappy pattern for a little longer until Barrow managed to get a hold of the game for 5 minutes winning corners and free kicks which the ever present Courtney Duffus managed to challenge Theo Richardson in the Fylde goal. Charman and Omatayo managed a few half chances with nothing managing to challenge Lillis in the Barrow goal. The Coasters shape seemed to be changing every few minutes which can be seen when Emeka Obi got the chance of the half just firing wide of the post. However, the down side of this tactical change was that Barrow were able to enjoy decent chances on the counter attack and probably should've capitalised on the Coasters' lack of structure. Both teams enjoyed short spells on the ball before the referee blew the half time whistle. Barrow seemed hard to break down but lacked clinicalness upfront whereas the Coasters looked shaky at the back but should’ve scored a goal with the amount of possession they had in the Barrow half.

Half Time- 0-0

AFC Fylde MOM for the first half- Jon Ustabasi

Barrow MOM for the first half- Junior Tiensia

As the Coasters review team switched ends for the second half the heavens seemed to close and the rain eased off making it a windy July night. Barrow made 5 changes at half time which included 2 trialists coming on as well as some new signings. The Coasters however only made 1 replacing Harry Davis with Kieran Glynn. The second half followed the start of the first half with the game being scrappy and neither side gaining a hold of the game. The Coasters looked unorganised and frequently played the ball out of play which was unusual for an Adam Murray side. Barrow seemed more accustomed to the scrappy type of football and managed to take the upper hand of the game, pinning the coasters back and eventually scoring through Ged Garner. Garner chested the ball down on the edge of the box and volleyed it into the top left hand corner, unstoppable for any goalkeeper and the best goal the Coasters review team have seen live this season. The Coasters then made a series of changes which included a couple of players playing out of position which seemed to dismantle the coasters progression that they had made during the second half. Nick Haughton came close, testing Lillis in the Barrow goal; however, nobody managed to get on the rebound. Siya Ligendza volleyed over from close range from a well worked corner however that was about it for the Coasters. David Worrall was causing havoc for the home side with his crosses into the box being precise and not dissimilar to the style of James Ward Prowse. Kieran Glynn showed glimpses of what he can do in a Fylde shirt taking on players with skill however the link up in the final 3rd proved to be ineffective. Barrow did eventually extend their lead through Trialist E, with the main men Worrall and Garner both involved in the build up before the Trialist fired in from close range. Barrow could’ve potentially extended their lead further but for last gasp defending from the coasters who looked all at sea at the back. Youngster Taylor O’kane came on and made another good impression and could be seen as a starter come Maidenhead away, impressing in midfield and defence in the pre-season games so far. The game finished 0-2, with the away side coming away with a deserved victory after a good second half performance.

Full time- 0-2

Coasters MOM Second half- Nick Haughton

Barrow MOM Second half- Niall Canavan