BARROW AFC boss Pete Wild is aiming to sign off 2023 with another success on home turf.

The Bluebirds were cheered on by a record attendance at Holker Street on Boxing Day as they drew 2-2 with league leaders Stockport County.

A crowd of  5,866 - the club’s biggest attendance since its return to the Football League – were treated to some entertaining football from their team.

And Wild would love to see the blue and white faithful out in force again this evening when Accrington Stanley are the visitors.

He joked: “I’ve said this before, but if you can’t support Barrow now I’m not sure you ever will.

“It was unbelievable walking out at 3pm on Tuesday (against County). I thought it was fantastic atmosphere and a fantastic attendance.

“If we can get near that tonight and replicate that atmosphere then it’s a great way to finish off the December period as we move into the new year.”

Ninth-place Stanley arrive at Holker Street on the back of a 2-1 Boxing Day defeat away to Harrogate Town.

But Wild is taking nothing for granted and expects a real battle tonight.

“Accrington have been solid this year and have picked up some really good results,” he said.

“John Coleman’s sides are always tough to play against, and they are always very resilient

“So we are expecting another tough encounter tonight.

“I think it will be two teams going hell for leather at each other, and I think it is going to be one of those games where the odd mistake or the fine margins will win you the football match.”

Wild is hoping his side can make the most of home advantage, but says there is no room for complacency.

He said: “We’ve had 10 positive results at home which is fantastic, but there’s a long way to go at home.

“We can’t come off the gas, we can’t get complacent. We’ve got to make sure that Barrow remains that tough place to come and we need to make sure that continues tonight.”

Apart from long-term injuries Junior Tiensia and Tyrell Warren, the Bluebirds have a clean bill of health.

But the manager admits he may change things up for the game with Stanley.

He added: “We’ve got some bumps and bruises, but nobody that’s a doubt for tonight, so that gives us some decisions to make.

“We obviously can’t keep throwing the same team out, because four games in 10 days can take its toll.

“So we have got to make sure we utilise the squad and we will do that again tonight and hopefully we will pick the right team.”