Match Report: Barrow AFC 1-1 Wrexham AFC
Emile Acquah was the hero again as he scored a sensational goal in the 52nd minute to draw us level and ultimately secure a hard-earned point.
Elliot Lee had given the Red Dragons an early lead from the penalty spot before powerhouse Acquah blasted the Bluebirds level to net his third goal in his last four games.
Manager Pete Wild made three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten by Stockport County last weekend as Paul Farman returned between the sticks, whilst Kian Spence and Jamie Proctor replaced Sam Foley and Courtney Duffus.
The visitors started the contest on top. Farman was forced into an early save, after Will Boyle headed a set-piece towards goal but our keeper got down superbly to deny him.
Boyle then threatened with his feet as the former Huddersfield man played a ball through to Ollie Palmer, who was brought down by Tyrell Warren and won a controversial penalty. The spot-kick was converted by Lee, who netted his fifth of the campaign.
Wrexham looked to double their advantage five minutes later. This time, it was young forward Jake Bickerstaff who struck, but Farman was on hand to prevent the Welshman from a tight angle.
Barrow’s best chance of the opening 45 came to Warren, who hit a speculative shot from range but it went well wide so it was safe to say there was work that needed to be done at the break.
After the interval, Barrow hit back quickly. After a great passing move, Kian Spence threaded a ball through to Acquah who quickly shifted the ball onto his right foot on the edge of the area before he beautifully caressed the ball into the top right corner.
Confidence began to run through the Bluebirds’ veins after the equaliser. Spence found space outside of the penalty area and fired narrowly wide of the post.
Proctor then came close to giving Wild’s side the lead after the hour mark. His low header forced a great save from Mark Howard in the Red Dragons’ goal.
Phil Parkinson’s men came back into the contest, as injury time loomed. Sam Dalby broke free but played his grounded cross too early, missing the onrushing Lee.
Despite pushing for a winner, the Bluebirds were made to settle for a draw at the SO Legal Stadium in our second home game of the season
Barrow is back on the road next weekend for the fifth time this season as a trip to Harrogate beckons before our EFL Trophy campaign gets underway in September against Blackpool.
Barrow starting XI: Farman; Worrall (Newby, 63’), Warren (Feely, 46’), Ray, Canavan, Tiensia; Spence, White (Foley, 84’), Campbell; Proctor, Acquah (Telford, 70’).
