IAN Evatt has a defensive dilemma on his hands after centre-back duo Brian Wilson and Matt Elsdon picked up injuries in the 2-0 defeat to FC Halifax Town.

Wilson lasted only five minutes of the Bluebirds' first National League away game of the season, before being forced from the field, with Elsdon replacing him.

He took an early blow to the head, but stayed on the field, only to come off midway through the second half.

Evatt had thought the return of Wilson last week from a calf issue gave him the depth he needed at the heart of the defence, meaning he chose not to look to bring in another centre-half.

However, he is now having to contemplate doing just that, and said: “To lose two players in one position, in a key position as well, that is obviously something I didn’t want to happen.

“Now I will talk to the people I need to and see what can be done, if we can bring in someone.

“Obviously there are a lot of games coming up, so those conversations will happen quickly.”

Barrow 's next game is at Leyton Orient on Saturday as they look to bounce back from the loss at the Shay and add to the three points they picked up on the opening day against Havant and Waterlooville.

Evatt admitted he felt a sense of frustration after his side's loss against Halifax, but was pleased with the performance.

A goal in either half was the difference – one from Reece Southwell, the other from Matty Brown – as the Bluebirds were defeated 2-0.

While Barrow had chances, with Jack Hindle hitting the crossbar with one of them, they just did not take them on the night.

“We have been brought back to earth with a bump, we have dominated the game, we can take a lot of positives from this game,” Evatt said.“We lacked a bit of patience, we shot from distance once too often, I’d say we were 90 per cent there, but in a game like this you need to be at 100 per cent.

“They have scored a scrappy opener and then one from a corner.”

With a lot of changes made to the AFC squad over the summer, Evatt believes that there are things they can take from the Halifax match to help them improve further as the season goes on.

He added: “It is something as a group we can learn from, there were times when we had a shot from distance, when a few more passes and a better chance is created.

“It is a new group and things like that can take a little bit of time and that is the process we are in right now.”

Barrow were followed to Halifax by 185 travelling fans – with others unable to make it to the Shay due to major traffic problems on the A590 following a crash near Greenodd.

Evatt was thrilled with the backing from the stands, and hopes those who make the journey to Brisbane Road on Saturday will have more to be happy about.

He said: “I thought the support was great, they were loud and passionate for the club, I really appreciated the fans and the noise they made, I want them to have more to cheer about in the next game.”