SOLIHULL boss Liam McDonald has labelled Barrow AFC 'the most effective side' in the National League as they prepare to cross swords tomorrow.

McDonald started his Moors league tenure with a 2-1 defeat at Holker Street in November, game 19 in an eventual 26-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Since then, he has guided the Midlands side to the brink of safety in the division, just two points from the magical 50-mark with eight games to play.

Speaking to the Solihull club website, he said he is determined not to fall to another defeat which would put AFC right in the play-off mix, and added: “They are a big team, always on the front foot with two good wide men, strong attack and midfield. I still think they are the most effective side in the National League and they play their style of football well. They have a no-nonsense approach.

“They might have dropped just below the play-off places, but a win against us will put them right back in contention – we are determined not to let that happen.

“As always, we have done our homework and are really up for the challenge. We have watched videos of their last few games and will set up appropriately.”

Saturday's match is a third in quick succession for Moors, with a fourth against Torquay on Tuesday night still to come.

It is a hectic schedule for the part-time side, and McDonald added: “It reduces the time we have to train and the time it takes to physically recover from the matches themselves.

“Three of the four clubs involved are full-time – they can concentrate every moment on the next game, whereas our lads have other jobs to fit in.

“Fortunately we have a young physically strong squad and they will be ready on Saturday for whatever Barrow throw at them.”