Matthew Dennis’ first-half strike secured a massive three points for the Blues against Barrow.
Mark Hughes made one change from our home clash against Gillingham - Cedwyn Scott replaced Joe Bevan, with Josh Vela also returning to the bench.
On nine minutes, Emile Acquah had the first big chance of the contest, lashing low just wide of the far post to the relief of the travelling contingent behind the goal.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure with centre-back Kyle Cameron being next to strike off target.
Prior to Archie Davies breaking down the right on the counter, seeking Matthew Dennis and Cedwyn Scott at the back post, however, the ball was too heavy and evaded the pair.
On 19 minutes, Matthew Dennis opened the scoring against the run of play, slotting precisely into the bottom corner following some neat intricate play and good fortune.
Acquah had an unbelievable opportunity to level proceedings with a header at the near post following a corner but somehow the forward nodded wide just after the half-hour mark.
With six minutes of the first-half remaining, United provided some controlled build-up play prior to Callum Whelan firing well over Paul Farman’s crossbar.
HALF-TIME: Barrow 0-1 United
Midfielder Kian Spence found himself on the end of a cross at the start of the second 45, but was unable to find the target as the hosts went in search of the leveller.
Kadeem Harris came to the Blues’ rescue on 52 minutes, making a last-ditch challenge to deny Barrow a massive chance in front of goal.
Four minutes later, Elliot Embleton came close to adding a second for Mark Hughes’ men, however, his shot landed on the roof of the hosts’ net.
Ben Jackson caused a threat on several occasions in the second-half, with his best effort to date coming on 71 minutes which was beaten away and then claimed by Gabe Breeze.
Prior to United’s shot-stopper making a great low stop to prevent Tyler Smith from equalising seconds later.
A scrappy second-half saw Cedwyn Scott continue to cause issues as the Blues looked to double their lead.
United stood firm in the moments that remained to secure a pivotal three points on the road.
FULL-TIME: Barrow 0-1 United
Teams:
Barrow - Farman, Cameron, Canavan ©, Spence (83’ Newby), Smith, Williams, Gotts, Foley, Acquah (76’ Pressley), Jackson, Whitfield
Unused subs - Stanway, Barnes, Mahoney, Fletcher
United - Breeze, Davies, Harper, Thomas, Lavelle ©, Guy (77’ Patching), Dennis (88’ Bevan), Scott, Harris (88’ Ellis), Whelan (77’ Vela), Embleton (64’ Wearne)
Unused subs - Lewis, Hugill
Goals:
Barrow - N/A
United - (19’ Dennis)
Yellow cards:
Barrow - (36’ Cameron), (81’ Canavan)
United - (87’ Dennis), (90+2’ Davies)
Red cards:
Barrow - N/A
United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Adam Herczeg
Assistant Referee - Jacob Lehane
Assistant Referee - Joseph Pettitt
Fourth Official - William Davis
Attendance:
4,213 (930 away)
