Barrow AFC manager Andy Whing admits injuries are continuing to hamper his squad but has urged his side to build momentum when they host Fleetwood Town at Holker Street.
The Bluebirds welcome their League Two rivals for a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, looking to follow up last weekend’s away victory at Colchester United. It’s almost as close as they get to a derby this season, in the absence of Carlisle and Morecambe.
Injury Concerns Mounting
Whing confirmed that several key players remain sidelined and could be absent for a number of weeks. Midfielder MJ Williams and forward Isaac Fletcher are still out, while Michael Adu-Poku is also expected to miss more action. Rekeem Harper, meanwhile, may not return for three to four weeks.
“We are still struggling in terms of injuries really,” Whing told The Mail. “We are probably two or three weeks away from getting most back, or a lot back fit. The likes of MJ, Fletch, and hopefully Adu-Poku as well, then maybe three to four weeks for Rekeem. We just have to try to get through this little blip and keep getting results until everyone gets back.”
Whing acknowledged the frustration of losing players as soon as others return, but insisted the focus remains on picking up points in their absence.
League Two
Momentum the Key
Despite the depleted squad, Barrow enter the weekend buoyed by a 2–0 win away at Colchester. It came as a much-needed response to a disappointing defeat against Harrogate Town days earlier, and Whing wants his players to use it as a springboard.
“The biggest thing for us now is can we go and follow that result up,” he said. “We beat Notts County and then had a really poor performance against Harrogate, so we didn’t back it up. Hopefully we bounce off the Colchester result and keep a run going. If we can do that, then we’ll be looking above us and not underneath us.”
Whing praised the attitude of his players after the setback at Harrogate.
“The lads worked their socks off. We defended really well, we scored from a set-piece, and the first goal was really well taken. Performance-wise, I still think we can get much better, but the reaction was the most important thing.”
Writer’s View
Barrow’s growing injury list is clearly a concern, but Whing’s emphasis on consistency highlights the mindset needed to compete in League Two. The win at Colchester showed grit and determination, and turning that into momentum is vital if the Bluebirds are to push into the top half.
Fleetwood at home is another test, but Holker Street has been a positive backdrop so far, and with supporters firmly behind them, Barrow have the opportunity to show they can cope with adversity and still find results.
