Barrow AFC boss Michael Jolley says toppling the League Two leaders today would give everyone at Holker Street a “shot in the arm” for the battle ahead.

Table-topping Cambridge United are the visitors to the Progression Solicitors Stadium (kick-off 3pm) and Jolley admits the Bluebirds will face formidable opponents.

But he says Barrow’s return to action could give a real psychological boost for the rest of their campaign if they can get the better of Mark Bonner’s side.

Barrow must contain two of League Two’s most dangerous frontmen in Paul Mullin and Joe Ironside today, along with former top-flight Ireland midfield veteran Wes Hoolahan.

Jolley said: “They are a team that’s probably outperformed expectations, and I mean that as a compliment because they have several guys that have been there for quite a while, but in Ironside and Mullin, with Hoolahan behind that, they’ve added some real threat and potency to their attacking play.

“You only have to look at the number of goals that their front two have scored to know they are a real handful in this league.

“They’ve got good players right through the team and credit to Mark Bonner for the job he has done. It’s going to be a really tough game but equally, we’re excited about the game.

“If we can get a good result against Cambridge, it would be a real shot in the arm for everybody in the squad and club to think we can compete against teams who are right up there in this league.”

Jolley will consider places in the squad for pre-deadline signings Mace Goodridge and Mikael Ndjoli, while Luke James and Tom Beadling could return.

The game could also see home debuts for a number of Barrow’s other January additions such as Ollie Banks, Bobby Thomas, Tom Davies, Jamie Devitt, Dan Bramall and Dion Donohue.

It kicks off another hectic run of fixtures and Jolley hopes their recent recruitment efforts will give Barrow enough experience – and variety – for the survival challenge ahead.

“When I was appointed, I did feel the squad needed to be strengthened, and it was my intention that we came out of the window with a stronger squad than we went into it,” he said. “It’s a judgement call and people will have their own opinions on whether we have or haven’t.

“I’d like to think we’ve got more experience now in terms of lads who’ve been there and done it in the league.

“Physically I think we’re in good shape in terms of being able to deal with what League Two throws at us, with respect to set plays and things like that.

“We’ve got some different options now and there are a number of ways we can choose to play if we think it’s appropriate.

“I’m happy, but opinions don’t count for much – it’s points that count. We need to back up what we think might be good work with good performances and results.”