Barrow AFC U18s 2 Kendal Town U18s 1

CALLUM Lamb struck a late winner as Barrow AFC defeated county rivals Kendal Town 2-1 in the Lancashire Floodlit League.

The striker came off the bench and found the net with 10 minutes to go of an entertaining fixture at Holker Street.

Both sides were happy to see action after a string of postponements in the league due to the recent bad weather.

They began in a lively fashion, though the heavy wind meant control of the ball was difficult for all the players.

Barrow’s Josh Cronin caused problems for the visitors, being a constant nuisance to the Kendal back four with some consistent wing play.

On the balance of play, Kendal were edging the attacks, with Harry Mellen working hard alongside Jake Stockdale in keeping the AFC back four well marshalled.

Goalkeeper Callum McElroy pulled off a couple of fine saves in the first half to deny the visitors before the Bluebirds pulled ahead for the first time.

A move starting from the back on 35 minutes saw Jackson Round involved in receiving the ball in midfield and playing Cronin in.

He kept his composure to strike and give Barrow a 1-0 lead going into the break.

The second half began quickly again, with Kendal pressing for an equaliser in what was a well-contested derby.

On the hour, they took advantage of a misplaced ball in the Barrow midfield, quickly converting defence into attack and replying with a goal to level the scores.

Barrow pushed to go back in front and were awarded a penalty on 75 minutes by referee Dave Keenan.

Cronin took responsibility, placing the ball down on the spot at the Crossbar end, but a fine save from the Kendal stopper kept the game at 1-1.

That looked to be a fair result, but with Lamb entering the field of play and looking lively there was a chance for AFC.

He took an early opportunity to strike perfectly and give Barrow the lead with 10 minutes to go.

The hosts held on and took the three points in a match which saw excellent discipline and commitment from both sides and a strong display from referee Keenan.

The players and coaching staff from the Barrow side thanked the club directors for their support and head groundsman Gareth Morgan for his work preparing a fine playing surface.