WITH 12 fixtures remaining, we’ve taken a closer look at five key remaining clashes which could define Barrow AFC’s season.

The Bluebirds are having a fantastic season under Pete Wild’s tutelage and have sat in one of the four play-off positions from the outset.

However just one win in four has left the side now looking over their shoulder at other teams who are gathering momentum.

Just seven points separate Barrow in sixth to Newport County in sixteenth as nine other teams look to put together a run together to swoop a play-off place.

Crawley vs Barrow (March 2)

One of Barrow AFC’s most important games comes next Saturday when they travel to West Sussex to face Scott Lindsay’s Crawley Town side.

The Red Devils are one of the form sides in the division having won their last three matches without conceding a goal.

Barrow have only won once in their history against Crawley and with picking up just two points out of their last five away matches, this will be a stern test.

Barrow vs Gillingham (March 5)

Just three days after facing Crawley, the Bluebirds welcome seventh placed Gillingham to the SO Legal Stadium.

This is Barrow’s game in hand after the match was postponed on December 9 due to a waterlogged pitch.

It is therefore a great chance to put distance between themselves and their opponents, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

Barrow play the reverse fixture at the Priestfield Stadium on April 13.  

Barrow vs Harrogate (March 16)

The Bluebirds’ home form is going to be vitally important if Wild’s side are to secure a play-off place - or even push for automatic promotion.

Seven of Barrow’s remaining fixtures are to be played at home, 11 of which are currently against opposition lower than them in the league.

Kian Spence netted the winning goal in a 1-0 win against The Sulphurites back in September, and Barrow will hope they can complete the double when Harrogate come to town in a few weeks.

Morecambe vs Barrow (April 1)

Derby day.

After inflicting a 1-0 win against the Shrimps at home on Halloween, Ged Brannan’s side will be looking to avenge that defeat.

Barrow have never beaten The Shrimps at the Mazuma Stadium, and with Morecambe chasing a play-off spot, this is sure to be another fiery encounter.

Barrow vs Mansfield (April 27)

The last day of the season.

Mansfield have been one of the stand-out sides this year having scored the greatest number of goals and conceded the fewest number of goals.

They currently sit top of the table with a game in hand on Stockport and Crewe, who occupy the other two automatic promotion places.

The Stags recently inflicted Harrogate to a 9-2 defeat at home where there were six different goal scorers.

Barrow have a relatively poor home record against Mansfield having won just three of their nine previous meetings in the league.

Hopefully securing a play-off or automatic promotion spot doesn’t come down to this...