Last updated at 15:35, Tuesday, 06 January 2009

AMBASSADORS for Barrow have saluted the Bluebirds for making the town proud with their mighty FA Cup performance.

Middlesbrough v Barrow

By Natalie Chapples

Non-league Barrow AFC narrowly missed out on clinching a draw against Premiership millionaires Middlesbrough in the third round of the cup.

Roared on by a record-breaking 7,000 travelling fans, the Bluebirds came close to scoring an equaliser at Boro’s Riverside Stadium, and bringing the top-flight club back to Holker Street.

AFC supporters were pleased with Saturday’s 2-1 scoreline against a star-studded Boro line-up, with Barrow-born Jason Walker netting AFC’s goal after two Alfonso Alves goals had put the home side in command.

The Barrow turnout broke the record for the number of away fans at the Riverside Stadium, an impressive statistic, which earned national TV and media recognition.

Brian Keen, Barrow AFC chairman, said: “A director from Middlesbrough asked if they could hire our fans every week because they were fantastic.

“The fans have proved they are the best in non-league football.”

Mr Keen said the proud day will go down in the club’s history.

He said: “I think we put on a damn good show against Middlesbrough. There was young and old, it was a good family day.

“I’m proud of the team, the management, and everyone.

“Congratulations to everybody.

“This has really put Barrow football on the map.”

Mr Keen said the team will now concentrate on survival in the Blue Square Premier and other cup competitions, including Saturday’s FA Trophy home clash against Cumbrian rivals Workington.

Barrow mayor, Councillor Dave Roberts, was at the game.

He said: “I just thought it was absolutely fantastic to see 7,000 Barrow fans rallying together. They were awesome in voice. I was really proud to be Barrovian.

“The match was absolutely terrific. The players really did the town proud.

“In the last minutes I was thinking this could be it, Middlesbrough were definitely rattled. I thought it could be a draw.

“I’m proud of the players, managers, fans and the board.”

l Five Barrow AFC fans were arrested during the match and four are set to appear before the courts.

Cleveland police confirmed today that an 18-year-old was arrested for a breach of the peace and given notice to leave the Cleveland area.

A 21-year-old was charged with a Section Five Public Order offence and a 49-year-old, 27-year-old and a man aged 21 were arrested for pitch encroachment and all four, from the Barrow area, will appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

lSEE OUR VIEW – P8

First published at 12:27, Monday, 05 January 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk