David Dunn believes Barrow’s more resolute defensive efforts against AFC Wimbledon have set the standard for the rest of their campaign.

The AFC boss is preparing his side for a return to league action tomorrow at Morecambe.

It comes after last week’s FA Cup exit on penalties to Wimbledon having held the League One side to a goalless draw over 120 minutes.

The way Barrow kept third-tier opposition at bay gave Dunn encouragement - and the manager says they will climb the League Two table if they remain so defensively stubborn.

“In possession we have been excellent, and I have asked the lads to cut out the areas where we have been a bit lacking defensively,” he said.

“We did that against Wimbledon, and if we keep defending like that we will do okay.”

Dunn’s squad trained over the weekend with Barrow not having a game due to their First Round cup exit.

The free weekend allowed the squad to regroup after a hectic run of three home games in six days.

The Bluebirds are back on the road tomorrow with the short trip to face Derek Adams’ Morecambe side at the Mazuma Stadium.

Barrow are hoping to improve on their position of 19th in the table, having been frustrated in their bid for victories recently after the previous weekend’s last-gasp draw with Forest Green and Oldham’s 4-3 win at the Progression Solicitors’ Stadium.

AFC could easily have capped a positive showing against Wimbledon with goals, Dimitri Sea hitting the post. Dunn said that was typical of the poor fortune his side has suffered at certain times in 2020/21.

“We had some good chances and hit the woodwork for what I think is the 12th time this season and could have had two penalties, but it wasn’t to be,” he added.

“Going forward I thought we were a threat and we just need a bit of luck to go our way now.”

Dunn has also welcomed the news that supporters will finally be able to watch the Bluebirds, after Cumbria was placed into Tier 2 of post-lockdown Covid-19 restrictions.

This weekend’s visit of Salford City will see fans back at Holker Street for the first time since promotion back into the Football League. Dunn said: “I think everyone’s been really looking forward to getting people back on the ground.

“I think it will give us a big lift. Fans deserve to watch their team and footballers should want to play in front of supporters and show them how good they are.

“They can help reignite a game at times and get us going.”