Lloyd Ellams’ first-half penalty was enough to salvage a point for battling Vauxhall Motors in a tight affair at Barrow on Saturday.
Ellam’s 36th minute penalty cancelled out Gareth Arnison’s opener, also from a spot-kick, on 23 minutes.
Despite being on the back foot for long periods, Gary Martindale and Anthony Wright’s charges held firm and claimed a deserved point for their endeavours as the Motors rearguard defended staunchly against Darren Edmondson’s side at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
The home side almost took the lead on 19 minutes when Arnison was sent clear by Bluebirds midfielder Ted Cribley, only to see his effort well saved by Zac Jones in the Motors goal.
The Cumbrian side were in front four minutes later when Arnison crashed home his spot-kick after Andy Burns had been felled by Motors defender Mark Bainbridge.
Jones was called into action on the half-hour mark when he tipped over Arnison’s drive from the edge of the area.
It was all square six minutes later when former Chester City striker Ellams made no mistake from 12-yards as he fired past Tony McMillan in the Bluebirds goal after being hauled down in the area by Duran Reynolds.
After the break it was a case of backs to the wall for the visitors as the home side adopted a more attacking approach, with Tom Corner heading over from close range three minutes after the restart.
Barrow substitute Joe Mwasile, making his debut for the Bluebirds, caused problems for the Motors backline with his pace and trickery, crossing for Corner, who headed straight at Jones on 62 minutes.
The young Mwasile then saw his fierce drive beaten away by Jones, who was in inspired form for the Motormen.
The visitors continued to hold their mid-table hosts, who grew increasingly frustrated as the game wore on.
Niall Cowperthwaite’s ambitious header and a Reynolds free-kick were the closest they came to beating Jones as the visitors held on for a share of the spoils.
Motors are next in Skrill North action this Saturday when they host Guiseley at Rivacre Park (3pm).
