Last updated 16:10, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

THE Bluebirds could have a surprise new face on show against Northwich Victoria at Marston’s Arena tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

GETTING STUCK IN: AFC joint-boss Darren Sheridan is ready to give that bit extra for Barrow in midfield at Northwich tonight

BARROW AFC have signed a new goalkeeper ahead of tonight’s game against Northwich Victoria at Marston’s Arena tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).
Alan Martin, a 19-year-old from Leeds United, has joined the Bluebirds on a one-month emergency loan as Tim Deasy has been playing with a broken thumb and second choice keeper, Aaran Taylor, who was on non-contract terms, has left the club.
Martin is a Scottish under-19 international who has played for Leeds at youth and reserve team level.
AFC managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan have also been looking to strengthen the squad in other defensive areas and midfield.
It was hinted after Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat by Kettering that the 40-year-old Sheridan could start tonight, but he is likely to stay on the bench with Andy Bond recovered from the ankle injury that saw him limp off at the weekend.
Bayliss added that there would be changes for tonight’s game.
He says: “Darren was close to starting and is champing at the bit.
“We feel we are lacking a little bit of aggression and bite as well as giving away silly goals through individual errors.
“The players know what is expected, they set the high standards but have let them drop.
“Aaran is a nice lad but was not ready for the first team. We went with one goalkeeper (Tim) last season and needed to review this.”
Defender Craig James, who has two weeks of a one-month trial period left, may also be in the squad tonight.
The former Sunderland and Port Vale left-back missed training last week because of a family illness and has yet to make a start.
With over 200 Barrow fans expected to make one of the club’s shortest journeys of the season, Northwich are hoping to get back towards a four figure crowd.
It dropped to 600 for the 0-0 draw with Forest Green a week last Saturday, the attendance affected by the televised Liverpool-Manchester United game.
Barrow: (from): Deasy, Pearson, Jones, McNulty, Black, Henney, Bond, Boyd, Logan, Rogan, Walker, Tait, Hunt, Winn, Sheridan, Bayliss, James, Brown, Martin.

• Chas Kendall make both sides 7/5 for tonight’s game with the draw 12/5. More betting and preview page 38.

• The Independent Supporters Club are now taking bookings for the coach to Kidderminster on Saturday, October 4. It will depart Ramsden Square, Barrow, at 8.30am. Prices have initially been set at £18 members and £20 non-members, however, these prices will be reduced if the numbers travelling allow. To book please call Stuart on 07791 268705