BARROW AFC left Mansfield today with all three points after a remarkable comeback victory saw the Bluebirds finish the day back in the play-off places.
Few fancied Barrow to pull off the win against their promotion rivals, managed by Nigel Clough, after suffering two 1-0 home defeats already this season against the Stags.
It was Barrow's first win in seven games, and it looked a like it would be another afternoon of misery for Pete Wild’s men as Stephen McLaughlin and Stephen Quinn put Mansfield 2-0 up and firmly in control after 25 minutes.
Before the game, Wild had praised Mansfield's ability to hold onto a lead, but Billy Waters’ first goal in seven games in first-half stoppage time sent Barrow in at the break with renewed optimism.
The introduction of Bluebirds' top scorer Josh Gordon at half-time added fresh impetus, which showed as Barrow looked like a different team in the second half.
Within four minutes, Gordon levelled the match as he met a Tyrell Warren cross from the right with a close-range header for his 11th goal of the season.
Gordon continued to cause havoc among the home defence, drawing a yellow card for Stags’ George Maris on 64 minutes after he broke through the middle.
Just a minute later a poor goal kick went straight to Gordon who forced Mansfield 'keeper Christy Pym to save with his legs.
The home side tried to stem the Barrovian tide by making a double substitution, but it was Barrow that took the lead for the first time on 77 minutes as Tyrell Warren drilled in a firm cross from the right and the unfortunate Oli Hawkins could only turn the ball into his own net at the near post.
Barrow managed to hold on for the three points to the delight of Pete Wild and the travelling Bluebirds fans, and the disappointment of Nigel Clough as it left his side with only one home win in only six outings.
For Barrow though, the win was a massive boost to their promotion hopes after a torrid run of form which had seen them starting the day in tenth place in League Two.
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