Barrow 1
Walsall 1

John Rooney ended Barrow’s barren goal drought but the relegation-threatened Bluebirds again failed to find a winning formula.

Rooney’s stunning 35th-minute strike was his team’s first goal in four games and the player’s first at Holker Street since returning to the club.

But bidding for a first home victory since December 11, Mark Cooper’s side was pegged back by a 65th-minute equaliser from Donervon Daniels.

Barrow’s third successive home draw leaves AFC third from bottom, one point off the danger zone with 12 games of the season remaining. And the home faithful have still witnessed only three league wins this season and have gone six games without victory.

In contrast, Walsall, since ex Newport boss Michael Flynn’s appointment, have collected eight points from his opening five games, including victory at leaders Forest Green.

Prior to kick-off, a minute’s applause was held for Steve Calvert, a former Barrow player who also starred for local amateurs Greengate United, who died recently aged 69. He made 47 appearances for the Bluebirds after his debut in 1972.

Walsall made an attacking start, winning the game’s first corner inside the opening 60 seconds.

A great tackle by Niall Canavan – free of suspension after his midweek red card at Bristol Rovers was overturned – came at the expense of another corner after 11 minutes. And it needed a Jamie Jones’ goal line clearance to keep the game scoreless.

Barrow’s first significant chance after 17 minutes should have led to the game’s opening goal. Manny Monthe was caught out by Matt Platt’s up and under, Josh Gordon nipped in but couldn’t direct his shot from the edge of the area on target.

Monthe and Lee Tomlin were then booked for separate challenges on ex-Saddler Gordon and captain Ollie Banks. Replays suggested ex-Peterborough, Middlesbrough and Cardiff midfielder Tomlin was fortunate not to see red from referee Leigh Doughty.

Cooper, serving the third of his eight game touchline ban, watched it all from the back of the main stand.

Ten minutes from half time, Rooney had Holker Street rocking with his sublime goal. Despite a potential pass available to Patrick Brough, Rooney picked his spot and curled a right foot shot off Rushworth’s upright into the net.

Sloppy play by Banks presented Walsall with a chance before half time. Tomlin’s free kick was charged down before Monthe’s header from the corner was snapped up by Paul Farman

Nimble footwork from Robbie Gotts created space for a shot but the ex-Leeds midfielder couldn’t keep his shot down.

Walsall quickly won two corners at the start of the second period and the Saddlers should have levelled after 56 minutes. Tomlin’s through ball was a beauty but George Miller’s final finish with only Farman to beat was an ugly effort that drifted past a post. And it was no surprise when the visitors equalised after 65 minutes. Brough conceded a needless free kick for a foul on substitute Devante and Donervon Daniels headed in the set piece delivered by Emmanuel Osadebe.

Daniels then blocked a goal-bound shot from Rooney as Barrow finally fashioned a response.

With 13 minutes left Cooper brought on Remeao Hutton and Jordan Stevens for Will Harris and Tom White. But after the encouragement of the first half performance, the second half display fell short with keeper Carl Rushworth virtually redundant, and Paul Farman saved from Rodney in stoppage time to deny the visitors victory.