Barrow manager Ian Evatt was delighted as his side battled to earn a fifth straight National League win against Maidenhead on Saturday.

It was by no means a classic with Maidenhead making their intentions clear early on with a series of long balls and niggly fouls to break up play. But the Bluebirds rose above early frustration to dominate the game and come away with three points.

“I thought today was more workmanlike than pretty, but good teams find ways to win games,” said Evatt.

“We didn’t start great and looked a bit leggy after Tuesday but suddenly we went through the gears and got a goal at a good time.

“In the second half we battled, created several opportunities and it’s another good result. There is lots of hard work to be done but to get five straight wins at any level is exceptional.”

The Bluebirds enjoyed a greatly increased attendance of 1,401, thanks in no small part to their recent form, with the manager praising supporters for their efforts.

“The extra support is a massive help. Not only that, but it deters the opposition too,” he added.

“If we can make this a fortress and a cauldron of noise and start to dominate games like we are, then all of a sudden we get a reputation for people not wanting to come up here.

“Hopefully, we can get bigger crowds, bigger atmospheres with bigger games to come because the lads really need the support. Not just the lads but myself and the board.

“The local consortium that took over are putting their heart and soul into making this football club better, it’s a local football club and if we can all buy into what we are trying to do on and off the pitch, hopefully we can see this club progressing sooner rather than later.

“It was great to hear the fans singing their hearts out from the dugout in the second half and it’s fantastic that they have responded to what we have asked for - long may it continue.”

While the names on the scoresheet were John Rooney and Scott Quigley yet again, Evatt was keen to praise another forward, Dior Angus, who again put in an impressive shift despite not finding himself on the scoresheet.