BARROW AFC has seen its recent success on the pitch translate into consistently elevated turnouts in the stands.

More than 12,000 home supporters have passed through the turnstiles to watch the Bluebirds' last five home games, with Holker Street’s attendance numbers in November and December reaching levels not seen since the squad was last in the English Football League.

A crowd of 3,267 attended the Boxing Day league match against Fylde, while turnout since mid-November has dropped no lower than 2,024 for December’s game with Aldershot Town.

Given Ian Evatt’s side is challenging for promotion to League Two - currently sitting three points clear at the top of the Vanarama National League, with two games in hand on the chasing pack - the club’s recent attendance numbers have lent his side a much-needed boost.

“A massive thanks to the fans - I think that’s the first time in around 50 years we’ve had so many over-2,000 crowds.

"It makes a huge difference to us. I’m super proud of the team, I’m also proud of the fans and I’m glad they witnessed that on Saturday because they deserve it.

“I hope there’s a massive crowd for the Bromley game because the lads need the support. Every game they need the support and if you were one of the ones came to Ebbsfleet and witnessed that, then hopefully you were very happy with that.

“We’ve been putting in some excellent performances away from home, getting some really good results on the board. I just wanted us to perform like that at home because I hadn’t thought we’d done that so far this season. This time we really have put a team to the sword and hopefully the fans have really enjoyed it and will come again for Bromley.”

Barrow's mayor, Cllr Kevin Hamilton said: “I remember the days of Dick Mulvaney. If we can return to those days, when we were competing in the English Football League, it’d be fantastic.

“Success breeds success. We’re a vibrant town and the form our football team has been in of late gives people something sing about and be proud of. Get behind them.”