AFC boss Paul Cox hailed a performance ‘on a different planet’ as Barrow cruised to a 4-1 win at Southport.

The Bluebirds climbed to seventh in the National League standings – level on points with Maclesfield in the last of the play-off spots – with a comprehensive routing of the Sandgrounders.

Byron Harrison scored a first-half brace – to take his recent tally to five goals in as many games – and Richie Bennett and Liam Hughes both chipped in with a goal after the break.

Only a late James Caton consolation for the home side blotted the Barrow copybook, but the manager was delighted with what he saw from his team on the ball and, more so, off it.

“I thought we played some good stuff,” said a smiling Cox under leaden skies which failed to deliver the promised storm above Haig Avenue while Barrow thundered to victory on the pitch. “We looked relaxed with the ball, we moved it around and we had numerous chances. Without the ball the ball, I thought we were horrible – there was an anger about our game, we just set about them, won the ball high up the pitch and went about it from there.

“There were some really good performances individually, but collectively as a unit, before we made the subs, I thought we looked a half-decent side.

“There were some big performances out there tonight, but overall it was a good team performance and one the boys should be proud of. I thought with the ball we were excellent, but without the ball we were on a different planet.”

He added: “This is a tough place and I had this down as a really tough game. I’ve been here numerous times against people like Liam Watson’s sides and I know what a tough place it is to come on a Saturday, never mind on a Tuesday night when you are travelling here.

“I think we set our stall out right from the beginning with the way we went about them early on. We closed them don and we were relaxed with the ball, which was important tonight.

“I’ve told them to relax now, rest, get the right kind of fluids, the right food, because we’ve got another big one (at Lincoln City) on Saturday.”

Cox hailed the attitude of his team as they made it five games unbeaten and claimed three points after late goals had denied them victory in their previous two home matches against Bromley and Boreham Wood.

AFC have taken 11 points from those five games since a 3-1 defeat at Dover Athletic, and Cox said: “I’ve always said, whether we have won or lost, that they are a great set of lads to work with. Their work ethic, even in training, is unbelievable.

“We’ve had a few bumps and scratches in these early stages, but the lads have taken it on the chin. They’ve come back at me with the right attitude.”

He added: “It’s an inner belief. It has to come naturally. We did it last season, we had a few ups and downs and a few erratic results and erratic performances, but after a bit the 11 clicked, or the 16 clicked.

“They understand the work ethic, they understand the shape, the desire, everything about us. The game becomes easy for them, it’s just game to game and they know what they’re doing. It’s just the mark of a good team in any sport – a team that knows their strengths, knows the weaknesses and, more importantly, knows how to win.”