BARROW boss Paul Cox believes his side are beginning to show signs of progress following a well-earned point at play-off chasing Woking, writes David Richardson .

The Bluebirds travelled to the Laithwaite Community Stadium off the back of a 2-1 win at Welling, attempting to gain back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

A freak own-goal from Cards full-back Scott Griffiths gave Barrow the lead but John Goddard quickly equalised for the hosts.

Andy Cook notched his 15th goal of the season to put Barrow back infront before Giuseppe Sole equalised in first-half added time. Barrow had chances to be out of sight before the interval, which they were left to rue when Sole levelled.

Nonetheless, Cox was rightly pleased with a point from high-flying Woking.

“We started the game well and at 2-1 we missed a couple of chances where we should have got the third,” he said.

“Our game management was better today, even when Woking chucked everything at us late on. Part of me is pleased but part of me says that if we put away some of these chances we are creating then we could become a better team.”

Barrow have been woeful on the road this season, having won just three games with the worst away defensive record in the division.

However, a draw at Woking made it four points from their last two away days, enough to convince manager Cox progress is being made.

“It’s about getting the boys to believe in our blueprint now,” explained Cox. “I think we can improve immensely on a lot of things but they’re slowly grabbing the concept and I think they understand what I want.

“It’s a competitive, physical league and there’s times this season that we’ve been bullied. We haven’t competed, at times, the way I like my teams to compete but they’re working hard and are starting to understand.”

It was a bizarre opening minute on Saturday as linesman Matthew Rushton was struck by a ball in the face, causing a 12 minute delay, and had to be replaced by the fourth official.

“It was a strange day for the officials,” Cox said. “What with the linesman getting hit in the face with the ball and then the referee asking for a team sheet three quarters of the way through after someone got booked.

“Sometimes referees and linesmen frustrate the hell out of me but we’ve got to back them. It was probably a strange day for them too. Hopefully the linesman who got the ball smacked in his face is OK.”

Barrow will now turn their focus on the visit of Gateshead tomorrow (kick-off 7.45pm).