Barrow AFC’s survival push was put on hold after tonight’s scheduled opponents Cheltenham were the latest to be hit by Covid-19.

A number of positive tests in the Robins’ squad caused this evening’s game against the Bluebirds to be suspended.

Cheltenham’s home encounter with Carlisle United this weekend has also been shelved as the affected players self-isolate.

It means Michael Jolley’s side must now wait until Saturday’s home clash with leaders Cambridge to resume their push for safety.

And it will lead to an even more hectic fixture calendar for the Bluebirds, who are already facing a series of midweek games in the coming weeks.

A statement on Cheltenham’s Covid outbreak said: “The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following recent positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

“The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.

“A revised date for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course.”

When Barrow return to action it will be against a number of promotion-chasing sides, with Cambridge, Exeter, Forest Green and Morecambe providing the opposition.

It is likely to be a tough examination of their survival prospects but Jolley believes his much-changed squad will boost Barrow for the coming weeks, despite Saturday’s 2-1 setback at Bradford.

“I feel we saw on Saturday [in the 2-1 defeat] that we’ve got results in us,” Jolley said.

“There was plenty to be positive about and to build on, but it’s going to take a bit of time for us to gel together.

“Hopefully we’ll do that sooner rather than later.

“It’s a decent squad, I’ve tried to reinforce it with the right players and time will tell as to how well we’ve done that.”

Jolley’s predecessor, meanwhile, is back in the game. David Dunn has been named as the new assistant head coach at League One side Fleetwood. The former Barrow boss has joined new boss Simon Grayson’s coaching staff at the Highbury Stadium.

It sees the 41-year-old reunited with former Bluebirds player Harrison Biggins, who was yesterday recalled from his Barrow loan by Fleetwood.

Dunn left Barrow in December after winning just two of his 17 league games in charge, having been appointed last summer.