Midfielder Lewis Hardcastle could have played his way into contention for Barrow AFC's match against Dover Athletic tomorrow after impressing manager Ian Evatt as a substitute in the midweek win against Boreham Wood.

Hardcastle was left on the bench for the home game against the Wood on Tuesday night, but was brought on for Olly Dyson with about half an hour left after Evatt felt the need to shore things up in the middle of the park.

The former Blackburn youngster did just that, as he helped his side regain control after going through a rocky patch either side of half-time and go on to claim their seventh straight league victory.

Evatt said: "It was a difficult night for attacking players on Tuesday, especially for the type of player Olly is.

"Olly is a dribbler and in those conditions it was difficult for him to get on the ball, so we just thought to shore it up a bit and get another midfielder on and Lewis was excellent.

"We've got competition for places, we've got some very good players, so I'm pleased with him and I'm pleased with everybody because it was another victory and it was a deserved victory."

Barring any late injuries, Evatt should have a fully-fit squad to choose from yet again against Dover, as AFC look for a club record-equalling eighth win in a row, which hasn't been achieved in over 104 years.

Evatt believes he has a much more adaptable group now, which can adopt different strategies for whatever the conditions dictate.

He said: "We've got a few strings to our bow now - we can pass it, we have good movement [off the ball], we can attack but we can also stand up and fight as well.

"We've got some strength in the middle of the team, so there's a lot of hard work to go, we're not resting on our laurels.

"We were delighted with the win on Tuesday, but its just one win and another three points. We need another three on Saturday against Dover."