Captain Josh Granite is at a loss as to explain why Barrow AFC have made a habit of tripping themselves up against so-called ‘lesser teams’ during his time with the club.

The Bluebirds repeatedly showed last season that they were capable of hanging with the best the National League had to offer, as they earned victories against the likes of Solihull Moors, Salford City, Eastleigh and Saturday’s opponents Wrexham.

However, their good work in those games was sometimes undone as they lost matches against relegated Maidstone United and Havant & Waterlooville, as well as dropping a 2-0 lead in being defeated at home to Dover Athletic.

To some extent, that pattern was repeated during pre-season, with good performances against Blackburn, Morecambe and Blackpool being balanced out with poorer displays against Furness Select and Lancaster City.

Granite said: “I do feel that continued, to be honest, and I can’t put my finger on it because it’s not through lack of motivation or planning.

“I’m not too sure what it is because the planning and the preparation is the same for all the games, so it’s something that we need to address, and we have addressed it over the last couple of weeks with the management.

“We’ve gone through it in video meetings and we know it’s something that can’t be continued throughout the season.”

Granite is pleased AFC have Olly Dyson back in their midst after the 19-year-old striker rejoined them on a season-long youth loan from Huddersfield Town last Saturday.

The Holker Street faithful didn’t get much of a chance to get to know Dyson in his previous spell at Barrow last season, as he was only able to make three sub appearances around the Christmas period before a serious hamstring tear forced him to return to the Terriers.

Granite said: “I really liked Olly and I don’t think he started a game, but when he came on he always looked lively and looked sharp and he made an impact off the bench.

“When the manager rang me and told me he was coming in the day before he arrived, I was excited and he looks really sharp.

“He’s a great lad is Olly and obviously he’s looking to learn because he’s still very young, although he has some good experience.

“I’m hoping he hits the ground running and he’s quite different to the other striking options we’ve got in the middle in Scott Quigley and Byron [Harrison], who are target men.

“He gives us something a little bit different, as he’s a finisher and a goal poacher.”