Disappointment last Saturday as the Valiants left the capital empty handed but we return to Vale Park with our terrific home form looking for a fourth straight win on home soil against a Barrow side who are undefeated in their last four league games.
In the Dugout:
Former Forest Green boss Mark Cooper took over the role as Barrow boss after the conclusion of last season. His managerial career started at Tamworth when he became manager in the 2004/05 season. He worked his way up from non-league into the EFL, managing Kettering Town, Peterborough United, Darlington, AFC Telford United, Swindon Town, Notts County and Forest Green Rovers.
Man with the Armband:
33-year-old Mark Ellis captains the Bluebirds after signing in the summer. He started out at Bolton Wanderers in 2007 signing for Sam Allardyce but did not make an appearance for the club. Across his 14-year career he has played for Torquay United, Forest Green Rovers, Crewe Alexandra, Shrewsbury Town, Carlisle United, Leyton Orient, Tranmere Rovers and Notts County equalling over 450 professional appearances.
Sitting in the middle of a back three he and his teammates have managed to keep just three clean sheets in 11 games in which Ellis has made an appearance. The captain also received a straight red card in Barrow’s home fixture to Bristol Rovers which ended in a 1-1 draw and meant Ellis was suspended for three games.
Star Man:
On loan Leeds midfielder Robbie Gotts has impressed since joining Barrow. The 21-year-old has made one appearance for Leeds in the FA Cup in the 2019/20 season. Since then, he has been on loan at League One side Lincoln City and League Two rivals Salford City. He has started every game for Barrow since joining and scored in his last game against Leyton Orient.
Top Scorer:
With four goals so far this season Offrande Zanzala is Barrow’s top scorer. He was injured for the first few games of the season but scored in his first start for the club in a 3-2 win over Hartlepool United. He doubled his tally in his first away game for the Bluebirds against Harrogate Town but lost the game 2-1. He would go on to score against Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town.
Last time out and recent form:
Barrow have had two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five games. The loss came in the Papa John’s trophy at home to Fleetwood but they are unbeaten in the league in four. Their two wins came against Newport County and Mansfield Town following a valuable draw at Valley Parade against Bradford City.
The Bluebirds hosted Leyton Orient in their last game. A quiet first half was quickly forgotten when Gotts got the opener for Barrow three minutes after half-time. Omar Beckles equalised on the 69th minute for the visitors as the game ended 1-1.