Rogan boost for Bluebirds

Last updated 14:50, Friday, 15 August 2008

TABLE-topping Barrow AFC have been given a boost ahead of tomorrow’s game away to Cambridge United (kick-off 3pm).

Striker Nick Rogan last night came through a training session and is set to be named in the squad for the first time this season.

Last year’s 22-goal leading scorer has not played since suffering an abdominal strain in the opening pre-season friendly.

AFC joint manager Dave Bayliss today said that Rogan had looked really sharp in training.

He added: “We want to have another look and see how he is tomorrow morning.

“Nick’s not played since that first friendly but he’s in contention for a place in the squad.”

Even without Rogan, Barrow – who are travelling down tonight – are the league’s leading scorers with seven goals.

The manager said that he was not over worried that the side conceded three goals in the away win over Altrincham.

He added: “It was out of character, the first time it’s happened to us in a competitive game for over 20 games. The lads were in good spirit last night and quickly put things behind them.”

Wrexham’s 1-0 defeat at York last night means Barrow stay top on goal difference and over 3,000 are expected at the Abbey Stadium. with the hosts also boasting a 100 per cent record.

Both Bayliss and joint-manager Darrren Sheridan know Cambridge boss Gary Brabin from their playing days. Says Bayliss: “Brab’s is a great lad and he’ll have them fired up for the game.”

“They’ve got a good target man in Lee McEvilly. I played with him at Wrexham and he is Championship quality.”

Barrow: (from): Deasy, Pearson, Jones, McNulty, Elderton, Henney, Bond, Boyd, Logan, Hunt, Walker, Brown, Tait, Thompson, Rogan, Taylor, Sheridan, Bayliss.

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	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Barrow AFC	2	2	0	0	7	3	6
Weymouth	2	2	0	0	4	1	6
Rushden & Diamonds	2	2	0	0	3	0	6
Cambridge Utd	2	2	0	0	3	1	6
York City	2	2	0	0	2	0	6
Mansfield Town	2	1	1	0	3	2	4
Torquay United	2	1	1	0	3	2	4
Burton Albion	2	1	1	0	2	1	4
Wrexham	2	1	0	1	5	1	3
Crawley Town	2	1	0	1	3	1	3