IN a battle of polar opposites, Forest Green’s tiki-taka style was well-matched by a dogged Barrow in a far from dour clash.

And Barrow proved these two promotion-chasing sides are nailed-on top five outfits after they went toe-to-toe.

The opening exchanges were helter-skelter, with free-flowing Rovers going toe-to-toe with a more direct Barrow outfit, who have stretched their unbeaten run to eight games.

Rovers started to find their range. Orange-booted Keanu Marsh-Brown, playing as a striker, stepped on the gas to arrow over a cross that former basketball player Christian Doidge almost got a leaping slam-dunk on.

And it was Marsh-Brown who induced the first save in anger as Barrow goalkeeper Joel Dixon did well to glove over his sumptuous hit from 25 yards.

Rovers held the territory – ex- Premier League star Darren Carter caressed a slide-rule pass releasing wing-back Ben Jefford, who skied one over the bar and towards the rainbow overlooking the stadium.

Rovers’ owner Dale Vince is chasing the dream of the Football League, but his side were chasing rainbows as the first period ticked on.

And it was Barrow, who flickered into life – Moussa Diarra seeing his bicycle- kick land on the roof of Sam Russell’s organic-netting, following a period of pin-ball in the box.

However, Rovers hit top gear and thought they had taken a 34th-minute lead. Aarran Racine planted a header onto the foot of the post from an arching Liam Noble free-kick – and seconds later Doidge created space inside the box to demand a plunging save from the quick-footed Dixon.

Rovers’ penchant for the woodwork surfaced again as Drissa Traore kissed the bar from outside the box following excellent Dale Bennett foraging with five minutes to go of a captivating first half.

But Rovers were almost caught cold when the impressive Paul Turnbull arrowed over a free-kick, which the unmarked Diarra should have nodded home.

Jefford was sacrificed at the break, Elliott Frear taking his place. Frear’s energy drove his side on, but Racine had to be at his best to block a Richie Bennett effort as Barrow started the second period with purpose.

Forest Green boss Mark Cooper looked aghast when Traore opened up Barrow and Bennett’s ball across the box failed to see a Rovers player get on the end of it.

The tempo was rising – and only a smart double-save from Russell prevented Barrow taking a 58th minute lead. Bluebirds’ Byron Harrison slipped beyond Charlie Clough and quick passing allowed Turnbull two bites of the cherry, but Russell stood resolute.

Rovers were close to breaking the deadlock just after the hour – Ethan Pinnock seeing his volley turned away from a Doidge header and Marsh-Brown smacking one into the advertising boards a minute before he was withdrawn with 25 minutes to go.

Noble landed one on top of the net as Rovers hunted the elusive opener. With six minutes to go Barrow’s Jordan Williams took advantage of a Carter error to drive on and fizz in a stinger that Russell superbly turned away at full-stretch.

Forest Green ( 3-5-2) Russell 7; Clough 7, Racine 7, Pinnock 7; Bennett 7, Traore 7 ( Robert 6, 65), Noble 7, Carter 7, Jefford 6 (Frear 7, 45) ; Marsh-Brown 7 (Murphy 7, 65), Doidge 8 Sub not used: Lefebvre, Moore.

Barrow (4-4-2) Dixon 7; Beeley 7, Livesey 7, Diarra 7, Anderton 6; Williams 7, TURNBULL 8, Yates 7, Hughes 7; Harrison 6 (Haworth 6, 80), Bennett 6 (Harvey 6, 75). Sub not used: Smith, Meikle.

Barrow Star Man: Paul Turnbull.

Attendance: 2,236.