IHIN Effiong has no regrets about his short-lived spell with Barrow AFC as he prepares to return for the first time with Woking tomorrow.

Bluebirds manager Paul Cox signed the striker from Biggleswade Town in January, but went on to make only a handful of appearances before being released at the end of the season.

Effiong was snapped up by Woking in the summer and returns to Holker Street this weekend having already netted hi first goal of the season in their opening-day win over Gateshead.

That matches his tally from one start and six substitute appearances for Barrow last team, and he has settled in well with the Cards under manager Anthony Limbrick.

But Effiong can look back and see the value on his time at AFC, and asked if he would do it again if he had the chance to go back in time, he said: “Of course. To be fair, Coxy has always liked me – I've spoken to him a few times – and I would do it again because the experience has led me to where I am now. I don't regret anything that happened, because if I didn't go to Barrow, then who know what would have happened? I might not be at Woking.

“It was a stepping stone to get here in the Conference, now I just have to push on and go higher.”

The 26-year-old added: “It was frustrating, very frustrating. I hardly got a chance, apart from the one game, I was just travelling all of the time and not getting in. It was really frustrating, and being away from my family made it even worse. I wasn't playing, and then I was away from my family.

“It was tough, but that's football – football is tough and you just have to get on with it. It was probably the hardest time in my career while I was there.

“I really wanted to play, and every time I came on I was doing all-right. I just really wanted to be given a chance, and it didn't happen. But that's football, you get over it and move it.”

Effiong has moved on, and had several options on the table when he joined Woking in the summer.

He praises Limbrick for taking him under his wing and for the way he is running the Cards team, and is hopeful he has a good full season in front of him.

“I scored in the first game of the season, which was pleasing to get off the mark so early, but I've set myself targets and I expect myself to do well this year given a full season in the Conference and with a manager who is backing me as well,” said Effiong.

“That gives me confidence to go out there, play well, and show what I can do.”