BARROW AFC’s Ben Whitfield is aiming to stay in the goals after finding the net against league leaders Stockport County.

Whitfield opened the scoring against The Hatters with just two minutes on the clock in the Boxing Day clash at Holker Street.

It was his eighth goal of the season, and the winger turned striker admits he feels he is growing into his new role.

Speaking to the club’s official Facebook page about his switch to striker, he said: “It’s now becoming more natural.

“I’m working hard on the training pitch with the gaffer and Temps (assistant manager Adam Temple) showing me different things each week, and showing me how they want me to play, and it’s only helping me.

“Obviously I’m naturally a winger, but to come into the role is one I am really enjoying.

“For the goal on Boxing Day the ball just landed at my feet, but I have enjoyed playing in the role and hopefully I can keep on scoring.”

Having led 2-0 against the league leaders on Boxing Day, there was obvious disappointment as the visitors managed to claw back the deficit to claim a point.

But Whitfield preferred to look at the plus point from the Bluebirds display, while acknowledging there was some pain felt at dropping two points.

“We are still positive,” he said after the game.

“I think at the start of the game everyone would have probably taken 2-2, but going 2-0 up and then coming in at full-time 2-2 the lads were unhappy which shows the standards we’ve set for ourselves, and that can only be a positive thing going into the next few weeks.”

Stockport have put a number of teams to the sword this season, and while the Bluebirds knew they faced a tough test, they had nothing to fear admitted Whitfield.

“Going into the game we were unbeaten ourselves, so everything was positive at the training ground and we’d had a good week with a good result as well,” he added.

“We know anyone who comes here are in for a tough game and a tough ride and we showed that (against Stockport)

“They were always going to have spells, but it was about how we see them out and how we deal with them.

“But overall, I think everyone in the dressing room would be happy with the performance we gave.”

The Bluebirds got off to flying start, going a goal up after just two minutes and Whitfield admitted that manager Pete Wild had told them to take the game to County.

He said: “That comes from the gaffer. Go after them straight away was the first message he gave to us, and we certainly did that to go 1-0 up inside two minutes, which was a dream start for ourselves.

“To get the second within 24 minutes it was a good first half. Their goal at the end (of the first half0 didn’t really put on a downer on things, but we knew they were going to throw everything at us so to not lose the game was very positive.

Having scored the opener, Whitfield turned provider for Kian Spence’s goal, and while please with his contribution, it was more about the point for the frontmen.

“I’m delighted (to score and set one up), but more importantly about the result. Not to lose is more important, but yeah I’m delighted with two goal contributions.”