PAUL Cox was delighted to see his Barrow AFC side brush aside National League play-off contenders Braintree Town at Holker Street.

Goals from Jason Walker and Andy Cook earned the Bluebirds a 2-0 victory over their visitors, extending their winning run to four matches and lifting them into the top half of the table.

It was a polished performance from Barrow, who contained their high-flying opponents well and took the chances offered them in front of goal.

“It's a fabulous result,” Cox said. “We've kept a clean sheet against a side who I thought, if they made the play-offs, would be my favourites to win them.

“Their shape asks questions of you and this was one of our most competitive games at home.

“We had to rejig things in the second half to combat a little bit of their threat, but once again the boys have really worked hard and scored two good goals, albeit the first one was a little bit fortunate.

“We keep going and I'm really proud of the boys and the way they are working at the minute. I've mentioned Ambre Solaire and the flip-flops, but this group want to see the season out in style and make sure we give the supporters something to cheer about.”

As well as lifting Barrow to 12th in the National League table, the victory over Braintree also ensured they are guaranteed not to be relegated – although the recent run of form meant such fears have long been dormant.

Eyes are now firmly on a place further up the standings, with the top 10 within reach should AFC defeat Macclesfield on Saturday.

Cox added: “We're on a nice little run at the minute, but there are still a million and one things we can get better at.

“One or two boys have really stepped up to the mark and given me food for thought. I keep saying it week in, week out, that I'm waiting for that little bit of a dip from one or two, but instead they keep ramming it down my throat as I keep asking and pushing them and they keep putting in the performances.

“I think at this minute we look a good, cohesive unit. A good team. Sometimes the quality is not there and we are not as graceful as I would like us to look, but the desire, the application, the hunger to win for the shirt is there in abundance.”