After a minutes silence for Arnold stalwart, Derek Wallis, who passed away recently, Arnold kicked of defending the Oxton Rd end.
Playing into the wind and rain Arnold were the more enterprising team with Millward and Azzouz lively in midfield and Mushambi providing a willingly outlet on the left. Despite the promise it was 18 minutes before a through pass from Wade to Mushambi produced a clear chance, low down to Jones, the Barrow keeper’s right which he did well to turn round for a corner. Jones was in action four minutes later when he turned round a sharp low shot from Millward for another Arnold corner.
Barrow who had yet to muster a goal threat were nearly gifted a goal on 29 minutes when a poor back pass from Azzouz put Parker in on goal. His shot forced an excellent blocking save from Rigley in the Arnold goal. A minute later a defensive lapse by Arnold gave Ginvert a half chance in the 6yd box which he put wide. The last chance of the half went fittingly to Arnold. A good controlled run and pass from midfield by Millward released Azzouz on the right and his shot from an acute angle was just over.
As good a half of football by Arnold as the sparse crowd had seen all season but again no goals to show for the effort.
The second half saw Barrow come out with more urgency in their game. From the off they were more competitive about the field and for the first 10 minutes Arnold struggled to get out of their own half. Barrow, now in the ascendancy, where an increasing goal threat and on 20 minutes forced Rigley into an excellent one handed save, tipping the ball over the bar from a 20yd drive by Parker.
The first goal came on 71 minutes. A free kick from just outside the Arnold 18yd box was bundled over from close range by Zak Ginvert. 0 – 1 BARROW. Arnold were now looking well off the pace of the game and if was only 8 minutes before their stretched defence was breached again. Ryan Kirk put an unmarked Zak Ginvert through and from close range he shot past Rigley. 0 – 2 BARROW.
With Arnold posing no threat, Barrow had complete control of the game and in the 87th minute Arnolds defence was exposed again. Barrow sub, Allcock, in a quick breakaway attack slotted a pass through to Kirk who under no pressure, netted with ease. 0 – 3 BARROW. In the last minute of normal time Joe Brown’s pass put Harry Solomon in on goal but the Barrow defender was thwarted by Rigley who spread himself well to parry the goal bound shot.
Credit to Barrow who came out a different team in the second half and took the game by the scruff of the neck. A well deserved win. In contrast Arnold gave a woeful second half performance which demonstrated all the frailties which have characterised their performances this season. Need more be said?
GEOFF SMITH
