Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt has encouraged any supporters wondering what to do with their Saturday afternoon to get down to this weekend’s FA Trophy tie against FC Halifax Town at Holker Street

Despite the Bluebirds’ form picking up in recent weeks, only 804 attended last Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Maidstone United in the National League.

Admittedly, a couple of factors didn’t help that figure – namely, the small travelling contingent from Kent, which numbered only 21, and the awful wet and windy weather that struck Barrow.

The worst of that came before kick-off, which may have put off some fans from travelling, as not all AFC’s ground is sheltered, but Evatt is still imploring more to head down and see his side’s recent improvements for themselves.

He said: “We just want to get them people back, the ones that are kind of twiddling their thumbs on a Saturday and don’t really know what to do.

“Well, get yourselves down to Holker Street because these boys are doing great and I’m sure you’ll appreciate what you’ll see.

“We did have a bit of a bad run of form, I understand the weather’s not the best, but these boys really play for the badge on the front of their shirts.

“That’s what I was told when I got the job, that the support wanted a team they could be proud of again and they can be proud of these lads.

“We’re a young team who are sitting 12th in the table with a lot to play for still, so get yourselves down here, support us and hopefully we can give you something to shout about.”

On the way his side have turned around their results ahead of the match, Evatt added: “After the bad run of form of five games, to have the four results we’ve done and us show the characteristics that we have shown is something to be proud of.

“It’s difficult to keep four clean sheets on the trot at any level and, again, it’s something we can celebrate.”