Report: Barrow 1-2 Cheltenham
Asa Hall's late winner gives Cheltenham a 2-1 win at Barrow and sends the Robins back to the top of the Vanarama National League.January Player of the Month Danny Wright gave the visitors the perfect start inside two minutes with a fine volley to cap off a brilliant team goal.
James Dayton and James Rowe combined well down the right before Rowe's cross found Wright. The striker controlled the ball with his chest before turning and smashing home.
Cheltenham continued to dominate after the goal and had the chance to double the lead when Jack Barthram was brought down inside the box, resulting in a penalty.
Wright, having scored all five of his penalties this season, stepped up to take the penalty but Barrow goalkeeper Joel Dixon guessed the right way and pushed the penalty away to safety.
Barrow boss Paul Cox decided to change things after just 32 minutes with the Robins clearly on top. He made two tactical changes with Pilkington and Grimes coming as they reverted back to their more natural attacking shape.
The changed worked to some extent as it managed to cut out the number of attacking chances that the visitors had, but they still struggled to create any chances themselves and half ended 1-0 to Cheltenham.
Gary Johnson was forced into a change at half-time with Jack Barthram coming off after picking up an injury in the first half. He was replaced by Harry Pell with Asa Hall moving to right back.
The start to the second half was a very scrappy affair with the conditions worsening as Jordan Cranston came on for James Rowe after 63 minutes.
Dan Pilkington curled a free-kick just over the bar as Barrow grew in confidence and started to look the more likely to score next. They did so in the 77th minute.
After a long spell of pressure, the hosts equalised from a corner. The ball missed all of the defenders and allowed Barrow Captain Simon Grand to poke home at the back post.
Gary Johnson reacted by bringing on Billy Waters for George McLennan in search of a winner.
It was the spark that the Robins needed as they mounted attack after attack late on and it was Asa Hall who proved to be the hero.
A cross found Danny Wright at the back post and his knock-down made it's way to Hall, who arrived late into the box before producing a top class finish into the bottom right corner to send the 100 or so travelling fans wild!
Despite a couple of late scares, Cheltenham held on for the win that sends the Robins back to the top of the table after Forest Green Rovers could only draw 2-2 at Wrexham.
Our next game is against Welling at the World of Smile Stadium on Saturday 13th February at 3pm. Come along and cheer on the team!