PAUL Cox felt a more relaxed approach was key to Barrow AFC’s much-improved second-half display which contributed to Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Braintree Town, writes MARC BAZELEY.

The home side had looked somewhat disjointed at times during the first 45 minutes of the Vanarama National League encounter and were perhaps slightly fortunate to go in 1-1 at the interval.

But boss Cox revealed afterwards he encourage his players to savour playing and his words seemed to do the job as Barrow snatched all three points in the closing stages thanks to Byron Harrison’s finish.

“I told the boys at half-time to just go and enjoy it,” said Cox, adding: “It was reminiscent of the performances we finished last season with.

“If we hadn’t won the game, I would have wondered how with the amount of chances we had – their goalkeeper was inspired in the second-half – and I thought we thoroughly deserved it on the second-half performance.

“We played on the front foot and I think we’re a very good side when we do that. It’s when we’re a bit tentative and we don’t believe in what we do when things come a bit unstuck.

“The good thing about these players is I don’t think we’ve reached our maximum and it has been a half-decent start for us – no-one can be disappointed.”

The major focus in training for Cox and his players in the build-up to this game had been stepping up their defence and, apart from conceding a penalty which led to Braintree taking the lead, they showed signs of improvement in that department.

Cox believes there is still much more to come from his side, but was delighted with their efforts in the week and how they responded to the challenge set for them.

“They’re a great set of lads and I’ll back them to the hilt,” said Cox.

“They know we need strengthening, we know we can get better at things, but we’re building nicely.

“It’s been a tough start for us and this was a very tough game as well.”

A few eyebrows were raised when the team was announced with big-name summer signings Liam Hughes and Paul Turnbull dropped to the bench.

But Cox insisted those changes were made with an eye on today’s trip to North Ferriby United and ensuring the squad is utilised fully, rather than risk any more injuries to a team already affected by notable absences.

“If you look at our bench, you would say there were some marquee signings on there, but I didn’t leave anyone on the bench because I thought they played badly,” said Cox.

“We’ve got two important games in three days and we’re going to have to utilise the squad. In a squad of 19 or 20, we’re down to 16 with the four who are out.

“I’m mindful of managing the squad, managing their legs and managing performances that way.”