DARREN Edmondson has challenged his AFC players to build on Saturday’s morale-boosting 1-0 National League home win over bottom club Southport.

But the Bluebirds boss also warned that Barrow’s mission to earn a first away victory of the campaign at second-from-bottom FC Halifax Town this afternoon will not be an easy one (3pm kick-off).

Andy Cook’s 50th Barrow goal earned his side the spoils against Southport, with their second victory of the season halting a four-match winless run and moving them up four places to 16th in the table.

Edmondson said: “We’ve got to put a few good results back-to-back and then you can say that you’re becoming a little bit more consistent.

“If we keep performing like that at home, then we’ll win more games than we don’t.

“We just need to make sure that we’re solid and consistent away from home now and that we don’t make those errors.”

Edmondson was asked about the importance of AFC securing a first on-the-road win of 2015/16 today, and he added: “Yes and building an unbeaten run is also vital, that builds confidence.

“If you win at home, and take your points away from home when you can, then you will climb.

“Our win against Southport is step in the right direction.”

Winless Halifax have picked up just one point from their six games and Neil Aspin’s side slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Wrexham on Saturday.

Commenting on Town, Edmondson said: “I’m not sure how they’ll adapt to it, but what we’ve got to do is worry about how we start the game and then that big crowd they’ve got can be a determining factor.

“If we make mistakes they’ll score goals – Halifax have still got good players.

“They’ve had a poor start but that can be turned around so quickly.

“We’ve got to make sure that we’re tough in possession, that we go and silence that crowd and then put the pressure on them.

“And then it can be a difficult afternoon for them.”

Cook’s excellent finish against Southport arrived in the 39th minute as Barrow went on to extend their unbeaten home record this season to three games.

Edmondson said: “I think it’s key to take care of the next game that’s in front of you and we did that very well today.

“I know that the second half was a little bit scrappy, but in the first half I thought we played some pretty decent football going forward and moved it quite well.

“We’ve just got to be brave in possession when we’re under the cosh a little bit. We need to believe in each other, keep that movement and the ball on the deck and pass it properly with a purpose.

“Then we might have found ourselves with a different scoreline.

“I think we deserved to win today quite comfortably.

“But Monday will be no easier than today, without doubt, because I know Halifax’s manager very well and he’ll be right into them this afternoon.

“Their result does us a favour because it dents their confidence, but they will be going all out for it on Monday.”

Edmondson indicated he may consider tinkering with his team line-up today.

David Mellor could be recalled to the squad after being left out on Saturday as a precautionary measure after he picked up a slight ankle injury.

There was also no place in Saturday’s squad for fellow central midfielder Mo Fofana, who will be hoping to feature at The Shay.

Winger Dave Symington is in contention to make his return to action having overcome a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Steve Williams is available again after serving a three-match ban, but crocked winger Dan Pilkington (groin) is still sidelined.