BARROW manager Ian Evatt bemoaned his sides defending, but says the depth the Bluebird’s squad has provides plenty of competition for players to prove their chance to him following AFC’s dramatic loss to Solihull Moors on Saturday.

The Bluebirds have now conceded 11 goals in eight Vanarama National League matches, including seven goals from headers, with Evatt’s side going into tonight’s fixture against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park looking for all three points.

AFC’s manager has the likes of Kyle Jameson, who signed for the club on a six-month loan deal from West Bromwich Albion, at his disposal and has said there is room for improvement, as well as potential chances for players to return to the side, following AFC’s third defeat on the bounce.

“We shot ourselves in the foot (at the weekend), maybe there was a lapse of concentration in our defending (against Solihull),” said Evatt.

“It’s unfortunate, we’ll now have to go again at Hartlepool and put it right.

“This group of players will bounce back strong, this is an opportunity for a lot of players to get back into the side.”

Barrow have struggled away from home, picking up just one point from a possible 12, having been beaten by the likes of Salford City 3-1, Maidstone United 1-0 and Halifax Town 2-0 due to defensive errors.

And they will have to be on the top of their game to beat a resurgent Hartlepool side who have won their last four fixtures.

Hartlepool did the double over Barrow last season, winning 1-0 at Victoria Park, but former Chesterfield centre-back Evatt has stated his belief in AFC’s new look side, adding that opposing teams tend to set up the same way against the Bluebirds.

“We’re a good side,” said Evatt. “We played well in the last game, we get respect from our oppositions now as they like to sit in when they play us.”

This is certainly something which Barrow have been familiar throughout this season, as they have had large spells of possession and controlled the majority of their matches.

However, the main concern that AFC fans will have is the lack of creative spark they have had to unlock a lot of defensively organised sides.

The main threat against Solihull Moors last Saturday appeared to be Luke Burgess, who AFC fans will be delighted to have received the news that his one-month loan spell contract has been extended until January.

That was highlighted by the fact Burgess won the JF Hornby man of the match award at the weekend as well.