WET, windswept nights in Cumbria are a fair barometer for any side with designs on the higher reaches of the Blue Square Premier table.

And last night, York City battled the elements and a determined Barrow side, who bore little resemblance to the team that caved in 6-1 at home to Rushden and Diamonds three days earlier, to earn a commendable point.

With Michael Gash hitting the underside of the crossbar in the first half and striking partner Richard Brodie missing a great opportunity with his head after the break, City also went close to celebrating a fourth successive victory in an entertaining goal-less draw.

Barrow made four changes from the Rushden game with joint-managers Darren Sheridan and David Bayliss also naming themselves on the bench. Martin Foyle, meanwhile, fielded the same City starting XI for the third successive game.

The Cumbrians saw a succession of early long-range efforts miss the target with Mark Boyd (twice) and Mike Pearson both failing to trouble Michael Ingham.

City’s first chance of the night saw Neil Barrett shoot weakly at Barrow goalkeeper Tim Deasy from the edge of the box on 14 minutes after a deflected Brodie cross.

Shortly afterwards, Brodie bent a 20-yard attempt wide after Adam Smith’s strong run.

The Minstermen were then unfortunate not to break the deadlock on 22 minutes.

Right-back Ben Purkiss and Brodie combined to create a crossing chance for Andy Ferrell, who picked out Gash in the penalty box from the right flank.

But Gash’s looping, 12-yard shot bounced back off the underside of the bar and Djoumin Sangare was unable to force the rebound over the line with his head.

Boyd, who tried his luck every time he came within 35 yards of the visitors’ goal, saw a fierce drive narrowly clear Ingham’s crossbar on 26 minutes. His four further efforts from distance before the break were less threatening.

Barrow’s best opportunity of the half, though, fell to Aaron Taylor after skipper Daniel Parslow headed straight to his feet from Boyd’s corner, but the on-loan Morecambe striker lifted the ball over from six yards.

Six minutes into the second period, Jason Walker’s touch let him down after Purkiss had played him onside following Boyd’s pass.

The ball bounced off him and wide of Ingham’s goal.

Boyd, who else?, then tried his luck from 25 yards but his volley flashed wide.

City, though, missed a gilt-edged 59th-minute opportunity when Brodie sent a diving header wide from six yards after Purkiss had fed an overlapping Smith.

Adam Dugdale went close with a header at the other end when he met a Boyd corner but his 12-yard attempt bounced off the top of the bar with Ingham stranded.

City boss Foyle introduced striker Michael Rankine for Ferrell moments later, shifting Brodie on to the left wing.

Rankine made his presence felt straight away, sending a 76th-minute rising drive wide from 20 yards.

Midfielder Boyd then made a brave headed clearance to divert Alex Lawless’ goalbound, 15-yard drive after Smith’s corner and City were forced to settle for a point.


Match facts

Barrow 0, York City 0

York City: Michael Ingham 7, Ben Purkiss 8, Djoumin Sangare 8, Daniel Parslow 8, James Meredith 7, Adam Smith 7, Neil Barrett 7, Alex Lawless 7, Andy Ferrell 7, Michael Gash 7, Richard Brodie 7.

Substitutions: Michael Rankine (for Ferrell 65, 7) 7.

Subs not used: David McGurk, Levi Mackin, Craig Nelthorpe, Alan O’Hare.

Key: 10 – Faultless; 9 – Outstanding; 8 – Excellent; 7 – Good; 6 – Average; 5 – Below par; 4 – Poor; 3 – Dud; 2 – Hopeless; 1 – Retire.

City’s star man: Ben Purkiss – tidy in defence and dangerous going forward.


Barrow: Tim Deasy, Mike Pearson, Adam Dugdale, Phil Bolland, Gareth Jelleyman, Paul Rutherford, Andy Bond, Mark Boyd, Carlos Logan, Jason Walker, Arran Taylor (Robin Hulbert 89).

Subs (unused): Stuart Tomlinson, Paul Jones, Darren Sheridan, Dave Bayliss.


Yellow cards: Jelleyman 72.

Referee: Colin Harwood (Manchester).

Attendance: 1,120.