BYRON Harrison made amends for giving away a penalty with a late winner for Barrow AFC to maintain their unbeaten home record in the Vanarama National League thanks to a 2-1 victory over Braintree Town.

Bluebirds boss Paul Cox made three changes to his side, with summer signings Liam Hughes and Paul Turnbull dropping to the bench.

They were replaced by Andy Parry and Richie Bennett, while new loan signing Ryan Yates was also among the substitutes. The hosts began brightly, but it was Braintree who fashioned the first chance of the match on seven minutes when Michael Cheek found Jack Midson with a cross and his shot needed two attempts to catch from goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

Braintree's continual probing of the Barrow defence paid off on 22 minutes when Byron Harrison fouled Midson in the box while the home side were defending a free kick, and Isaac duly slotted home from 12 yards after sending Dixon the wrong way.

However, Barrow got themselves back on level terms three minutes before the break when Bennett nodded home on the rebound from close range after Harrison's header from Moussa Diarra's flick-on hit the bar and fell to the alert forward.

That, plus a one-handed save from Dixon to deny Cheek at the other end, ensured the sides went into the break level and it proved a much more open game when play resumed.

Barrow had the clearer-cut of the chances after the restart, although it looked as if they may have to settle for a share of the spoils as Braintree stopper Jamie Butler pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the home side at bay.

But with time ticking away, a clearance fell to Alex-Ray Harvey and although his shot from just outside the box hit the post, Harrison reacted quickest and finished past Butler to make it three wins from three at home for Barrow this season.

BARROW AFC (4-4-2): Joel Dixon 6; Dom Smith 7, Danny Livesey 7, Moussa Diarra 7, Nick Anderton 6; Lindon Meikle 6 (Andy Haworth, 81, 7), Alex-Ray Harvey 6, Andy Parry 6, Jordan Williams 8; Richard Bennett 7, Byron Harrison 7 (Liam Hughes, 88). Subs not used: Ross Hannah, Paul Turnbull, Ryan Yates.

BRAINTREE TOWN (4-3-3): Jamie Butler; Barney Williams, Jon Ashton, Jake Goodman, Jerome Okimo; Sam Corne, Chez Isaac, Harry Lee; Jack Midson, Michael Cheek (Craig Braham-Brown, 49), Simeon Akinola. Subs not used: Ian Gayle, Joe Maybanks, Zac Fagan, Rohdell Gordon. Yellow cards: Barrow – Richard Bennett (13), Dom Smith (47), Alex-Ray Harvey (50). Braintree Town – Jerome Okimo (67), Craig Braham-Barrett (71), Barney Williams (87).

Referee: Peter Wright.

Attendance: 966.

Next game: North Ferriby United away (Monday, 3pm).

Barrow star man: JORDAN WILLIAMS. He was always looking to make something happen when on the ball and asked questions of Braintree's defence all afternoon both in open play and with his long throws into the box – two of which led to goals.