Striker Jamie Philpot believes he has already improved as a player with Barrow AFC, as he approaches the end of his first month with them during today’s match with Hartlepool United.

Philpot signed for the Bluebirds on a short-term deal last month, at a time when they were struggling with an injury crisis that left Jack Hindle and Nathan Reid, who trains part-time, as their only striking options.

The 22-year-old has started every game for AFC since then and again came close to opening his account with them in Good Friday’s 1-1 draw at Maidenhead United.

It’s been something of a stop-start campaign for the former Millwall youngster, who before his arrival at Holker Street had been recently released by Bromley, following a short stint there that came after half a season at Dartford.

Philpot said: “Since I’ve come in, it’s been very good. Obviously, every team you’ll be at there’s a different style of play and I think this one suits me.

“I’ve been here just under a month now and I feel the manager [Ian Evatt] has improved me already.

“It’s been a very strange season for me, but I’ve come in and started the last four or five games and I’ve got 90 minutes in game after game, which I’m really happy for and thankful to the manager for, but the next thing is getting the goal.”

With fellow forward Dior Angus just back from an ankle injury and Jacob Blyth recovering from a hamstring strain, Philpot has been partnered alongside Hindle in each of his five appearances.

Both players have been working hard to improve the physical side of their game, with them both being the sort of players that run into space, rather than one that holds the ball up.

However, there have been times where their partnership has offered encouragement, not least when Philpot’s lay-off led to Hindle opening the scoring at Maidenhead after some hesitant defending.

Philpot said: “We’ve had a few games together now, so I think we’re linking up well because we know where each other is going to be.

“Hopefully, if I’m here next season, which I want to be, that could be potentially something for us to build on.”

Philpot is hoping he can break his duck for the Bluebirds in their final home game of the season, as Hartlepool, and their fancy-dressed fans, visit Holker Street this afternoon.

AFC will also be looking to put some poor recent results at home behind them, with Philpot saying: “Hartlepool will be a good one for us – we’re back home and everyone is looking forward to it. There’s going to be a big crowd there and we’re looking forward to hopefully putting in a good performance and getting the win."