Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt was delighted to see his side answer a few critics as they defeated Eastleigh 2-0 to record their first victory of the season.

It had previously been a disappointing start to the campaign for the Bluebirds, as they’d had a half-time lead at Wrexham overturned before losing 3-0 at home against Harrogate Town.

Goals from John Rooney and Scott Quigley were enough for them to deservedly pick up the points against a Spitfires side who offered little after enduring a disrupted journey due to the A590 being closed following a crash.

That they didn’t have many opportunities to trouble Joel Dixon was largely down to a much-improved defensive performance, which came after Evatt had decided to switch to playing three at the back.

Evatt said: “It paid dividends, but that’s down to the players, not down to me or tactics.

“I think a lot of them have answered one or two questions that have been thrown at them this week.

“I’m proud of the back three, with Joel as well because he’s part of that and they’ve shown today that they really can defend their box and put their bodies on the line.

“They blocked shots, they headed balls. It wasn’t pretty and it was never going to be pretty in these conditions, but these lads have shown they’re a proper team and they can battle and they can fight.

“They’ve dug it out today and we’ve deserved to win this game, and we’ve deserved to win the game more comfortably than at 2-0.

“Again, we need to be more clinical in the opposition’s box – Dior [Angus] has had three excellent chances in the second half.

“I’m super proud of the lads, but it’s just a start. Hopefully we can go to Stockport now with a bit more confidence now we’ve got points on the board.”