Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt was pleased with how little goalkeeper Joel Dixon had to do in last Saturday's 1-0 victory against Yeovil Town.

The Bluebirds produced a much-improved defensive display to beat the Glovers, with Dixon only called on to make one save during the match - a simple catch to stop an early Lawson D'Ath effort that was straight at him.

It was an impressive turnaround at the back from AFC after their previous match at Stockport, who found it all too easy to create chances against Evatt's side.

Against Yeovil, Barrow's defenders marked up attackers properly, tracked runners, got their tackles in and closed down opponents effectively, making them a much harder nut to crack.

Evatt said: "I thought the goalkeeper and the back four, who have taken a lot of criticism, were outstanding.

"Yeovil were in League Two last year and they've just come down and have had a good start to the season.

"As scrappy as it was and it only being 1-0, I thought we were quite comfortable in the game, to be honest.

"There weren't really any nervy moments, I didn't really feel like they were going to score and that was good - the lads were switched on and defended well and when they needed Joel to come out and claim crosses he was there for us, so I was really pleased."

Dixon's command of his penalty area was one of the main calming presences at the back for the Bluebirds, as was the performance of makeshift centre-back Jason Taylor.

The 26-year-old has had to work hard to become better on crosses during his time at Holker Street, but he has become a much safer pair of hands under the high ball in the last year.

Evatt said: "We've worked hard on that and he works very hard on the training ground.

"Ducky [Lewis Duckmanton], who is our analyst-stroke-goalkeeping coach works very hard with him and I though Joel was magnificent, as well as the two centre-halves.

"I thought they both kept us calm, kept us composed and defended really well during the game."