Under normal circumstances, a football team would be happy with the fact their weekend opponents have gone to extra time and penalties during midweek.

For Barrow AFC, however, Aldershot Town’s exploits in their FA Cup replay at Bradford City on Tuesday night may not benefit them that much, as the performance of Gary Waddock’s side will have done their confidence the world of good.

After a goalless 90 minutes at Valley Parade, the Shots’ resistance was finally broken by their League One opponents through a George Fowler own goal 11 minutes into extra time.

However, Luke Howell levelled the match early in the second period to force a shoot-out, which is where Aldershot finally foundered, with Bradford winning 4-1 on penalties.

Manager Waddock said of their performance: “We gave it everything that we had, the players were magnificent, along with the supporters that travelled up.

“It wasn’t to be, but I’m absolutely delighted with how we performed, again, against a League One outfit. We showed great strength, great character, resilience, whatever you want to call it, to bounce back and I’m delighted for all the players.”

How the Bluebirds would have liked the chance to bounce back from a poor result last weekend in the way Aldershot were able to.

AFC have had a week to stew on the disappointment against Eastleigh ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Recreation Ground, while the Shots’ cup replay gave them a quick opportunity to get their 4-0 thrashing at Salford behind them.

The Hampshire outfit have suffered something of a hangover from missing out in the National League play-offs last season, especially on the road, where they have only picked up four points in the campaign.

Their home form has really kept them afloat, with their six wins allowing them to go into the match three points and two places above Barrow, who picked up a vital 1-1 draw in this fixture in April last season.