Iron 1 Barrow 1

[rustynail]

Ok so it was a good game both teams were very combative from the off.
If Jordan Chidozi had a bit more composure when he beat their defence with the goalie stranded and then came close with a header after good energetic work by Simeon we may have been two up at half time with the victory assured.
After the break we came out with renewed energy with Akinola and Sparks creating chances with balls into the box. It was their combination when Sparkes crossed to Akinola who slammed it in to the top of the net from the 12 yard line.
After the goal with a couple of injuries the game became the flat and with the Iron unable to kill the game off the inevitable happened when they beat our defence and slid the ball home.

I am a bit disappointed that we can't finish from the many chances we create. The manager knows this is a problem so lets hope he can resolve it!

An unrelated point the PA announcements were abysmal today. I don't think there was anything wrong with the PA itself I think the announcer obviously hadn't got an understanding of how to use the microphone.

[dbbn]

Thought overall it was a poor game. DC made one change from last week's starting XI with Woodyard suspended; he brought in Chiedozie. With Marks inclusion we seemed to revert to more hoof-ball than usual and as usual it got us nowhere. Akinola too seemed off the pace in the first half and we carried little threat going forward. 0-0 at half time just about summed it up.
Second half we looked a bit sharper and hungrier and got the ball out wide more. Akinola and Sparkes began to get into the game more and worked well together to create the opening for Sim to fire home off the bar. Other chances came and went; a good ball pulled back by Marks eventually ran to Sparkes who's effort was charged down. Another melee in the box left Sparkes with a chance he could only hit at the quickly advancing keeper. On the break we often chose the wrong option or passes were over-hit. I didn't think the substitutions worked in our favour. Sparkes again was withdrawn (answers on a postcard!) whilst Marks remained on the pitch. Barrow scored with 9 minutes left and we never really used that time and the 5 additional added minutes to any benefit.
These are games we should be winning at home, but yet again a more conservative approach cost us. I think we need to sort out the right back position; Remy does okay there, but I'm happier with him pairing Phillips at centre back. Up front, just about every striker (bar Strutton & Cox) has been tried and DC needs to work out what his best partnership is and stick with it. Cox played in the midweek friendly but again wasn't in the match-day squad and for me deserves a crack at it. I think we also get the best out of Simeon when he's out wide.
It's been a steady if unspectacular start; let's loosen the shackles a bit at home.
As for the PA; I thought it was Norman Collier doing the announcements.

[ozbrit]

I think some of our supporters were underestimating the opposition but they played their part in a competitive game which saw the spoils shared. That said I'd have to say the home side looked the more incisive side and appeared to be on their way to three points only for Barrow to hit back late on.

It was nice to once again meet up with the many friends I have at the club.

The pitch and ground looked better than I recall it was 22 months ago when I last saw it.

Roll on Dover.

[4whatitsworth]

Barrow are a full time outfit with a backer who was a local lad made good in the USA. For us to be able to compete with and often beat so many full time Clubs is in
itself testament to the spirit in our TEAM and the way that Danny & Nicky get the best out of them. I am as frustrated as anyone with our giving away late goals but
it is our inability to score when on top that is IMO holding us back from being a real force to contend with. As rustynail said earlier Danny is well aware of this but with
limited resources we must make do with what we have, and continue to support the players 100% whoever is on the pitch.

[Iron Webbo]

Spot on Number 4

[irondan]

I agree, we do really well to draw with these teams let alone beat some of them, the team works so hard every game and I know I'm proud of them. But like mentioned above we could do with killing the games off. IMO Michael Cheek needs to play, I feel once he gets a run in the team he could score 15 goals, he's got the potential. Special mention to Dan Sparkes, he's been our best player so far along with Woody. Come on the Iron let's take Dover

[Braintree TV]

Highlights are included in the Braintree TV compilation for yesterday plus interviews with Sim Akinola and Danny Cowley.
www.braintree-tv.com/player.php?v=14-09-15