Barrow AFC 0 Crawley Town 1

Barrow’s dismal League Two winless streak stretched to seven games as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crawley Town.

James Tilley’s crisp second-half strike saw the visitors leapfrog the Bluebirds into 18th.

And Mark Cooper’s side are the first team to lose to the Sussex outfit in all competitions for six weeks.

Tilley’s first goal of the season ended the club’s painful six-game losing run.

But more worryingly for Cooper is the fact his side have failed to score in their last two league games.

 

CHASE: Josh Kay of Barrow FC under pressure from Archie Davies

 

The former Forest Green Rovers’ boss was keen to sure up his leaky defence, but the Cumbrian side are now struggling in front of goal.

Cooper made a trio of changes after last weekend’s dour derby-day stalemate with Carlisle United.

Mike Jones made his first start after almost a year on the side lines due to a horrendous achilles injury. Remeao Hutton and Luke James also returned to the starting line up to partner Offrande Zanzala up front as Josh Gordon missed out through suspension.

Joe Grayson’s in-swinging corner almost handed the hosts an unlikely lead as Crawley stopped Glenn Morris clawed it clear.

 

BATTLING:Tony Craig tries to stop Offrande Zanzala and, above, Luke James tried to outwit the Crawley defence

BATTLING:Tony Craig tries to stop Offrande Zanzala and, above, Luke James tried to outwit the Crawley defence

 

The Sussex side, known as the Red Devils, threatened as the Bluebirds failed to clear their lines with Jake Hessenthaler’s shot well blocked.

And John Yems’ side continued to find space as Kwesi Appiah fired wide of the mark.

Cooper’s side breathed a huge sigh of relief after a near calamity at the back.

Lucky luck was firmly on the hosts’ side as Matt Platt’s mis-hit clearance went over keeper Paul Farman and thankfully went for a corner.

Down the other end, Grayson’s audacious 25-yard strike flew wide as the Bluebirds desperately tried to get on the scoreboard.

 

ATTEMPT: Joe Grayson of Barrow FC tries a shot on goal only for Glenn Morris of Crawley Town FC to save it at Holker Street. (Ian Charles | MI News)

ATTEMPT: Joe Grayson of Barrow FC tries a shot on goal only for Glenn Morris of Crawley Town FC to save it at Holker Street. (Ian Charles | MI News)

 

And Cooper’s charges almost went into the half-time interval ahead.

Recalled Hutton raced onto a low through ball but he couldn’t keep his first-time slap shot down.

The Bluebirds started the second half brightly.

James’ teasing cross was hacked clear before Patrick Brough forced Morris into a low save after Zanzala showed good strength to create the opening.

Farman watched on as Tilley’s long-range free-kick went wide as Town sensed an opener.

James Jones went close with a header but Barrow were made to rue their missed chances moments later.

 

ATTACK: Josh Kay of Barrow FC tries fighting through the Crawley defence

ATTACK: Josh Kay of Barrow FC tries fighting through the Crawley defence

 

It was Tilley who fired the visitors ahead 11 minutes after the restart with a good drilled finish past helpless Farman.

And Cooper rung the chances on the hour mark to try and get back into the game as Josh Kay and Tom White were hauled on to get something out of the contest.

Kay came close to making an immediate impact but his effort at the far post was kept out by Morris.

Former Leeds starlet Robbie Gotts’ curling effort went agonisingly wide as the home side desperately pushed for a point.

Dangerous Grayson could have stolen a share of the spoils right at the death, but he couldn’t poke the ball home as the Reds survived.