DOVER ATHLETIC 3 BARROW AFC 1

BARROW AFC's early-season away day blues continued as they fell to a 3-1 defeat on the south coast.

A Ross Hannah consolation goal was all the Bluebirds had to show for their efforts against National League high-fliers Dover, although boss Paul Cox will take plenty of positives out of his team's performance.

AFC have taken just one point from their opening three away games, in stark contrast to their 100 per cent record at Holker Street where they have won both their matches so far.

Cox - who gave a debut to on-loan Shrewsbury Town defender Dom Smith - saw his side almost take the lead on 23 minutes when Dover keeper Steve Arnold thwarted Lindon Meikle with a brilliant save.

The visitors were made to pay seven minutes later when Moses Emmanuel fired Dover in front.

Barrow fought hard for an equalizer but they were dealt a killer blow 15 minutes after the break when Ross Lafayette netted a second goal.

Sam Magri added a third on 82 minutes, before substitute Hannah was brought down two minutes from the end of normal time and fired home the resulting penalty kick.

The result leaves Barrow 14th in the 24-team National League division.