Barrow boss Pete Wild hailed an “outstanding achievement” from his side to prove their doubters wrong and mount a late-season promotion push in League Two.
An early brace from in-form Cole Stockton and a late clincher from Robbie Gotts secured a 3-1 win over Grimsby that means Barrow have now amassed 14 points from a possible 18 in March.
That has lifted the Cumbrians up to fifth in the table, six points behind third-placed Wrexham with a game in hand, and is the perfect response to those who had dismissed Barrow’s chances barely a month ago.
Wild said: “There were a lot of people who wrote us off at the end of February.
“A lot of people said ridiculous things; things I remember if everyone else doesn’t.
“But we have hit back with 14 points out of 18 points. It is an outstanding achievement.
“We always knew if we were in and around it coming into March, we had a real opportunity with five out of six home games. We have delivered on that.
“I am so proud of everyone. It shows every team goes through these bumps but it is how you respond.
“However, I was frustrated with the players at half-time we hadn’t killed the game off.
“They played as though the game was over. Getting the third goal really helped us.”
Stockton has now scored seven goals since moving to Holker Street on loan from Burton in January.
“We brought Cole here because of his coolness and calmness in front of goal,” said Wild.
“A lot of credit must go to Robbie and Whits (Ben Whitfield) for the first goal and to Dom (Telford) for the second.
“The lads know if they work hard and Cole is in the right position he will take his chances.”
In contrast to Barrow, who visit Stockton’s former side Morecambe on Easter Monday, Grimsby sit only three points above the drop zone.
They were already 3-0 down when Justin Obikwu netted an 88th-minute consolation.
“We didn’t help ourselves and gave them two goals,” said manager Dave Artell.
“If you give a team in the play-offs two goals, who have had four clean sheets here in the last five games, it is going to be a long afternoon.
“Did we deserve something out of the game? Probably.
“We weren’t helped by the referee (Oliver Langford). He is a full-time referee but he was a disgrace,” added Artell, who was shown a yellow card in the second half for protesting a decision.
“I am not saying any more of that. I will get myself into trouble. Take the referee out of it though, we have got to make sure we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot in the first instance.
“We started off well, we hit the post, we have had chances. Justin scored a good goal but their third goal killed us.
“Games are won in both boxes and we weren’t good enough in both boxes.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer, sources have told ESPN, after he was named on the bench for the Europa League final.United and Garnacho's representatives are expected to have a meeting in the coming days to discuss the Argentina international's exit during the summer transfer window, a source told ESPN.The player is unhappy with the role he has pla...
Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given th...
Fernandes told to make mind up over £200m Al-Hilal moveAl-Hilal have reportedly warned Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to make a quick decision over a huge £200 million ($271m) move to Saudi Arabia.Barca could bid farewell to Torre in final La Liga gameYoung midfielder Pablo Torre's future is currently uncertain, and he could play his final game for the Catalans against Athletic C...
DONE DEAL? Al Sadd reach pre-contract terms with Barcelona midfielder PrimAl Sadd have clinched an agreement with Barcelona midfielder Pau Prim.The 19 year-old prospect comes off contract at the end of next month and Mundo Deportivo says Qatar's Al Sadd have agreed a pre-contract with the youngster.Prim will move to the Middle East in a Bosman transfer.The midfielder follows the path of Barca lege...
Atletico Madrid planning shock Real Madrid raid for RodrygoAtletico Madrid are eyeing a shock raid on Real Madrid for unhappy attacker Rodrygo Goes.Rodrygo is unsettled and unhappy at Real, convinced he will never receive the recognition he believes he deserves for what he has achieved with the club.As such, Rodrygo and his agents are considering their options, with talks with Manchester City havi...
McKenna reveals Liam Delap will leave this summer: We've given him the permission...Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that striker Liam Delap will leave the club this summer and he fully supports his decision.The England Under-21 striker will be free to leave Portman Road for just 330m this summer after the Tractor Boys were relegated to the Championship. Delap has scored 12 goals ...
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - BundesligaJonathan Tah and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement that will see the defender join the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tah will complete a long-awaited move to Vincent Kompany's side from Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires this summer, with Sky Sport reporting a deal has been struck. According to Fabrizio R...
Napoli v Cagliari - Serie AScott McTominay has been named Serie A's best player of the 2024-25 season after his key role in Napoli's title success.WHAT HAPPENED?McTominay brought an end to a fantastic debut season in Italy when he scored in Napoli's 2-0 win against Cagliari on Friday, securing the Serie A title on the final day of the season.THE BIGGER PICTUREWith 12 goals and six assists since hi...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 4 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 10 Liverpool considering transfer swoop