Barrow 1
Port Vale 2

Phil Brown saw his first point as Barrow boss cruelly snatched from his grasp as Aaron Martin broke Bluebirds’ hearts with a late winner.

Brown’s charges turned in one of their best displays for months but still finished empty handed.

Josh Kay’s first-half goal gave the new manager hope of picking up three vital points and a first home league win since December 2020.

But the visitors, beaten just once in 16 games, hit back in a rip-roaring second half.

Jamie Proctor equalised just before the hour before Martin popped up at the far post with the winner.

Barrow remain deep in trouble but can take heart from a positive performance that deserved better.

They survived an early scare as Vale set a brisk early tempo. Matt Platt cut out David Amoo’s cross from David Worrall’s right side probing before Brad Walker rattled Paul Farman’s right upright from 20 yards.

Farman was fortunate the ball didn’t rebound off his body back into the net before Niall Canavan cleared the danger.

Barrow responded by forcing back-to-back corners giving Platt opportunity to head goalwards but straight into the gloves of Aidan Stone.

Canavan’s trip of Amoo brought the game’s first booking after 13 minutes in a lively encounter.

Tom Beadling was only fractions away from breaking the deadlock with a low drive from the edge of the area.

But the Bluebirds’ faithful didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal – and they haven’t seen many better this season.

Remeao Hutton’s drilled, angled pass picked out Kay whose superb first touch kept him clear of Nathan Smith.

Cutting back onto his left foot Kay curled his shot inside Stone’s post for his fifth goal of the season.

Manager Brown joined in the raucous celebrations and earned a telling off from referee James Oldham for his on-pitch jubilation.

The animated new gaffer was certainly endearing himself to the crowd who had greeted Mark Cooper’s replacement with generous applause before kick-off.

And Brown’s enthusiasm was rubbing off on his team who were cheered into the dressing rooms after their first-half display.

The ex- Hull, Derby and Southend boss didn’t endear himself as much to the officials. And one encroachment too many from his technical area brought a 50th-minute yellow card.

Home appeals for handball against Benning went unpunished and another promising break broke down as Vale turned defence into attack with deadly effect.

Gotts couldn’t keep the ball away from Harry Charsley whose cross was converted by unmarked Jamie Proctor for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Vale should have grabbed the lead within minutes of levelling. Instead, ex-Manchester United starlet James Wilson scuffed his right foot shot with only Farman to beat.

Platt rescued his side with a timely block of Worrall’s cross while Proctor’s latest effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Barrow were living dangerously and substitute Kian Harratt was denied by another last-gasp block.

The entertainment value was high and the nerves of fans shredded for long periods. But Martin’s goal was a sickener for Brown and his players as Vale climbed into an automatic promotion spot.