Barrow manager Andy Whing has praised on-loan striker Aaron Pressley after the forward netted twice in a convincing 3-0 away win over MK Dons on Saturday.
Pressley, on loan from Stevenage, had only managed a single goal in 16 appearances before his trip to Stadium MK. But the Scottish forward delivered when it mattered, scoring twice and narrowly missing out on a hat-trick before being substituted with a minor knee knock.
Form Rewarded with Finishing Touch
Whing, who has consistently defended Pressley’s contributions beyond goals, was full of praise for the 23-year-old after the match.
“He works his socks off for us. If he adds goals to his repertoire as well he will be some player… He buys fouls. He terrorises defenders at times. Luckily it’s falling for him now.”
Despite the commanding scoreline, which marked Barrow’s biggest away win since December 2023, Whing admitted that his side were far from their fluent best. He acknowledged MK Dons’ possession but commended his players’ clinical edge in front of goal.
Pressley’s double came before Tyler Smith added a stoppage-time third to cap off a fine result that leaves Barrow with just one defeat in their last eight matches.
“It’s a fantastic result,” Whing said. “But I don’t think we were great to be honest. Probably one of our weaker performances in the last six or seven weeks. We gave the ball away too much and were passive off the ball.”
Aaron Pressley
After coming through the Hearts and Villa youth systems, Pressley joined Brentford B in early 2020, scoring three in six games. He got a taste of first-team action during the 2020–21 season, making three sub appearances and smashing in nineteen goals for the B team.
He had loan spells at AFC Wimbledon and Accrington Stanley, scoring a few goals but picking up injuries along the way. Brentford let him go in August 2023, and he signed with Stevenage. After missing a chunk of the season with injury, he played twenty-five times, bagged four goals, and later went on loan to Barrow.
Writer’s view
Pressley’s brace could be a turning point in his season. He’s long been appreciated for his tireless work rate and physical presence, but goals are ultimately what define strikers. If this performance sparks a consistent run, he could become a vital figure in Barrow’s late push up the table. With Whing building momentum and squad depth growing, Barrow look well-positioned to keep climbing as the season nears its end.
