Cheltenham 0, Barrow 2

[Jones 2, Quigley 66]

BARROW produced one of the biggest shocks of the season on Tuesday night to ease their relegation fears.

James Jones opened the scoring in the second minute before Rob Kelly’s charges held on for dear life.

And Scott Quigley’s first goal in five games secured a vital three points against table-topping Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.

And victory meant the Cumbrian outfit completed a fine double against the league leaders.

The battling Bluebirds opened up a welcome five-point cushion over their closest rivals in their survival bid – with two games in hand and a hefty goal difference advantage over struggling Southend. And they hold a huge nine-point gap over basement boys Grimsby, who play tonight.

The resurgence under interim boss Kelly has been remarkable, with three wins on the spin.

This game looked like a free hit, with upcoming fixtures against Grimsby, Stevenage and Colchester seemingly better chances at positive results.

Kelly made three changes as his side looked to make it three wins on the bounce for the first time since they returned from their 48-year Football League hiatus.

Captain Neal Eardley was recalled for the injured Brad Barry, whilst Ollie Banks and Saturday’s match-winner Josh Kay were also named in the starting line-up.

And it didn’t take long for the visitors to stun the high-flying Robins. It came in fortunate fashion as Jones’ low cross-turned-shot found the far corner after it evaded everyone in the box to give the Bluebirds something to hold on to.

Michael Duff’s side came roaring back as Finn Aziz’ shot went just wide of the mark.

Barrow striker Quigley was left frustrated with himself when he found the side netting after doing well to create a chance for himself. And Kay’s low long-range effort was easily held by Josh Griffiths as the visitors showed they meant business.

Returning Eardley was in the right place at the right time to clear Sam Smith’s effort off the line after he beat Joel Dixon.

And Barrow had to dig deep and work hard out of possession to maintain their advantage.

Dixon did well to bat away Liam Sercombe’s powerful strike as the hosts threatened.

Quigley saw an effort chalked off for offside before Dixon produced an even better save to keep out Sercombe’s curling free-kick.

The Bluebirds were indebted to the woodwork as Chris Hussey’s volley cannoned off the post. And moments before the break Dixon did amazingly well to keep out Hussey’s effort before Alfie May’s rebound was scrambled off the line.

The visitors limited Cheltenham’s chances in the second half.

And they managed to get some breathing space when Quigley poked home Bobby Thomas’ long throw.

Sercombe struck wide as the hosts desperately tried to drag themselves back into the contest.

A late Luke James’ long shot barely troubled Griffiths, before Andy Williams missed the target with the hosts’ last chance.

But the Bluebirds held on and head into Saturday’s home game against Crawley bidding for four Football League wins for the first time since 1968.