Reds lost out to Barrow this afternoon following a goal from former devil Dom Telford early in the second half.
Despite being the better side for the majority of the second half, the Red Devils were unable to find a way back with Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman producing some excellent saves. A controversial goal just thirty seconds into the second half would turn out to be the difference between the two sides on the day.
In the lead up to the Barrow’s goal it appeared as if centre-back Will Wright had come off second best with a head injury following a challenge in the build up. With Barrow playing on and Wright remaining on the floor, Robbie Gotts broke free down the right playing a ball across the box for Telford to finish low into the bottom corner and put Barrow ahead.
Whilst neither side was able to go ahead in the first half, Klaidi Lolos had the best chance in the 30th minute. Adam Campbell broke free down the right before finding Lolos in space on the edge of the box with the forward forcing an excellent springing save from Paul Farman. Barrow nearly went ahead just six minutes later after Ashby-Hammond could only parry the ball from a corner, but striker Emile Acquah was subsequently only able to hit the post from the chaos that followed.
Despite going behind early in the second half, Lindsey’s side responded well, dominating much of the ball but couldn’t find the decisive touch to get back into the game.
Campbell was close to an equaliser in the 68th minute after dancing through two players and curling a right footed shot into the bottom right corner but was denied by another fine save from Farman at full stretch. Reds forwards Ronan Darcy and Ade Adeyemo were introduced in the 72nd minute. Darcy came close to an equaliser in the final minute but dragged his shot wide after finding himself free on the right side of Barrow’s penalty box.
Ben Whitfield nearly made it two for Barrow late on, lashing a shot against the crossbar in the 94th minute, but it was Telford's early goal that prooved decisive.
Reds return to the Broadfield Stadium, hosting Harrogate Town, next Saturday.
REDS XI: Ashby-Hammond, Gordan, Wright, Williams, Maguire, Tsaroulla, Kelly, Gladwin (c), Lolos (Adeyemo 72’), Campbell (Darcy 72’), Orsi.
Attendance: 3,512 (65 away)
