Manager Ian Evatt has revealed the nature of the injury that forced Connor Brown to come off at half-time of Barrow AFC’s 2-1 home defeat against Gateshead on Tuesday night.

Brown gave a lively first-half performance from right-back for the Bluebirds at Holker Street, combining well with Rory Holden, while also looking in control defensively.

But the 26-year-old was unable to take to the field after the break, due to a problem with his foot, with Jack Barthram taking his place.

Barrow unfortunately conceded what turned out to be the winner two minutes into the second half, while their defence was still reorganising.

Evatt said: “He’s got a nasty whack on the top of his foot, which kind of swelled up at half-time and it was too sore for him to carry on, so Jack came on. I thought Jacob Blyth was starting to show us the real Jacob Blyth and he’ll now get to full match fitness and sharpness.”

While Brown may be set for a spell on the sidelines, there is better news about Brian Wilson, whose calf injury has meant he hasn’t featured since the defeat at Halifax last month.

“Brian’s doing really well,” Evatt said, adding: “He’s probably a few days away from intense training.”

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