CLUB bosses, police and neighbouring pub landlords are preparing to welcome the biggest-ever crowd to Holker Street in almost 30 years as Barrow AFC take on Rochdale in the third round of the FA Cup.

A sell-out crowd of 4,400 fans are set to head through the gates tomorrow in time for the 3pm kick-off, with almost 4,000 home supporters backing the Bluebirds.

Tickets have been snapped up since they went on sale to season-ticket holders and Bluebirds Trust members on December 20. There were long queues out of the door of the club reception at Holker Street when tickets went on general sale on Boxing Day ahead of the National League match against Gateshead.

Tomorrow's attendance will be the biggest at Holker Street since 5,707 saw the FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Colne Dynamoes in 1990 and AFC bosses couldn't be happier with the sell-out.

"The Barrovian people love a good cup tie," said Austin Straker, chief executive of Barrow AFC.

"There's been a lot of work going on behind the scenes and everyone's incredibly excited. Tomorrow's crowd will be twice the size of our biggest so far this season."

Film crews from ITV and Sky have both visited the ground in the run-up to the big game and BBC's Football Focus programme is set to be filmed live from Holker Street before kick-off and shown on BBC One at noon.

Some 75 lucky AFC fans have been picked to sit in the audience with footballing legends Mark Lawrenson, David James and Kevin Kilbane set to make up the show's panel.

"With Football Focus we have had to limit the number of people who are allowed into the ground and the Cross Bar," Mr Straker explained.

"They are hand-picking 75 guests who will also be around when they do a presentation."

The ground's pitch has been carefully maintained in the run-up to tomorrow's fixture, with the grass covered over to make sure any frost doesn't cause any damage. Although heavy rain is forecast for Barrow today, tomorrow is due to be dry but cloudy.

Barrow pubs gear up for busy bars ahead of AFC game

LANDLORDS in Barrow are putting on extra staff as they predict an increase in customers before, during and after AFC's match against Rochdale.

Tally Ho landlady Debbie Creighton has called in the cavalry with additional staff set to man the bar at what has become a popular pub for AFC fans before and after kick-off.

The pub, along with the Soccer Bar in Wilkie Road, is also making its car park available to home and away fans, at a cost of £2.

The Soccer Bar is also opening its function room, allowing home and away fans to drink in separate parts of the venue.

"A lot of my regulars are football fans anyway," Miss Creighton said.

"We can have up to 50 in the main bar and 150 in the lounge, and we're expecting it to be busy. And with Man United's game against Reading being televised from 12.30pm, it's going to be non-stop."

Robert Hope is manager of the Furness Railway in Abbey Road, another venue set to be busy tomorrow with footy fans, particularly given its proximity to the railway station.

"We have put on extra staff to deal with the expected increase in customer numbers," Mr Hope said.

"We would normally have six and we've got an extra two on. We're expecting it to be busy before the match. "Hopefully it will be a bumper day for us."

Police urge footy fans to 'soak up the atmosphere' and enjoy FA Cup match

POLICE will be out in force at Saturday's fixture as they help fans to enjoy the game and ensure the match goes ahead without any trouble.

With Holker Street set to welcome its biggest ever crowd since the FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Colne Dynamoes in April 1990, police are taking no chances and extra officers will be tasked with keeping a close eye on both sets of fans.

As well as the regular football watchers, PC Rickie Wallbank and PC Neil Calladine; a sergeant, six Barrow PCs and two officers from Rochdale will be policing the game.

PC Wallbank, who praised the passion of AFC fans, said the vast majority are well-behaved although a number are subject to banning orders.


PC Wallbank with former footballer Kevin Davies "This is a Category A game, which has been scored by the FA, because it is a high-profile game," he said.

"We aren't expecting any trouble; there is no history between the two clubs and Rochdale fans generally, based on research and intelligence, travel in happy spirits."

The two officers from Rochdale will be working hand-in-hand with their colleagues in Barrow to keep a close eye on any known risk groups from the home and away fans.

AFC fan PC Wallbank is hopeful for a win on Saturday, believing that "anything can happen in the FA Cup".

He said: "It will be a tough game. Rochdale are playing well but it's the FA Cup so anything can happen. I think it'll be a win; we have a good chance.

"We just want everyone to enjoy the biggest game at Holker Street in a long time and to get right behind the team so we progress to the fourth round."

Superintendent Rob O'Connor said his officers would be coming down hard on any troublemakers and said anyone who does misbehave will be "dealt with robustly".


Supt Rob O'Connor

He said: "We have been liaising with the club to ensure everything runs smoothly on Saturday. We will have a policing presence at the game and also around the pubs in the run-up to the game and afterwards.

"Saturday should be about people enjoying the occasion. Sadly we have seen people misbehave previously and if that is the case this Saturday, then they will be dealt with robustly, will be arrested, and will miss the game.

"I want supporters to be able to go with family and friends and soak up the atmosphere of the FA Cup."