ADY Pennock hailed the Barrow AFC supporters who made the seven-hour trek to Kent on Saturday to watch their side beat struggling Maidstone United 1-0.

The Stones have not won in 15 National League matches, while Barrow boast one of the best away records in the division since Pennock took over.

This win – their fourth on the road since the manager’s arrival, and their first in any competition since beating Woking on December 23 – was enough to lift them one place up the table to 19th.

It came thanks to Luke James’ first goal for the club and on the back of a 1-1 draw against Sutton United at Holker Street on Tuesday, and Pennock was delighted that the loyal Bluebirds supporters got to witness another fine result away from home.

“I am really pleased for the fans who were here,” said Pennock, who was supported by many members of his only family, who made the short trip from their Kent home, and whose side are back at Holker Street to play Gateshead tomorrow.

“They sang right throughout the game. They have come a long way, and I spoke to them beforehand. They deserved the result and the three points was for them.

“It was a massive three points. We had to follow it up from Tuesday because I thought that we were a bit unlucky not to get the victory against a good Sutton side.

“I am desperate to win at home for our home fans. They gave us a great reception at the end of the game on Tuesday. The only thing that was missing was the extra two points that we deserved.”

Reflecting on his side’s showing against Maidstone, Pennock – who handed a second-half debut to new loan signing Kingsley James – added: “It was a good performance and the goal was top-drawer.

“Our shape and fitness were good too. Although we have to keep building on the result that we got here, you have got to enjoy the wins and we look forward to Tuesday when we play Gateshead.”

Barrow have enjoyed a change in fortunes since they were defeated by relegation-threatened Torquay United two weeks ago.

That result still disappoints Pennock, but he has seen improvement since in the efforts against Sutton and Maidstone.

“I thought the Torquay game massively showed our weaknesses,” said the AFC boss. “The performance wasn’t good enough, but after that we had a chat with the players and it just shows you that when you work hard and there is good togetherness then you can go away and get results like the one we got here at Maidstone.”

The signing of Kingsley James added to the loan moves for Luke James, Ollie Cook and Chris Humphrey and the permanent recruitment of keeper Steve Arnold as part of a strengthening of the squad over the past month.

But Pennock was quick to defend those that have represented Barrow this season, including those who have since moved on – with Byron Harrison the latest when he signed on loan for Sutton on Friday.

“The new players have made a difference, but it is nothing against the boys that were already here or those that have gone,” said Pennock.

“We have got players who are very hungry and they want to roll up their sleeves and do well for this football club.

“We have got more pace and threat about us now, but more than anything else, there is a bit more belief about us.”