Stephen Clemence hails Andy Dallas after late winner

Posted Sunday, October 06, 2024 by PA

Barrow boss Stephen Clemence praised substitute Andy Dallas’ attitude after his late goal secured a 2-1 home victory over Cheltenham.

Ryan Bowman put Cheltenham ahead before half-time, but Emile Acquah levelled straight after the break and Dallas came on up front in Acquah’s place to fire the winner.

“Cheltenham made it very difficult for us in the first half,” Clemence said.

“After we fell behind, I put more demand on the lads at half-time because I believe we are better than what we showed.

“We started to get on the ball and play and once we did that, we looked a much better team in the second half and started to find spaces.

“I am delighted for Emile but even more delighted for Andy Dallas, who has had a tough time since he came in.

“He’s been in my office a lot asking to play, and rightly so because every player should ask the question.

“Today he’s come on and all his hard work has paid off because his attitude has never dipped at all. I am delighted for him.”

Cheltenham broke the deadlock when Ethon Archer’s effort was parried by Wyll Stanway and Bowman followed up for his second goal in two games in the 41st minute.

Elliot Newby set up the equaliser with a fine cross from the left that Acquah reached ahead of Sam Stubbs to nod emphatically into the net.

And Scotsman Dallas slotted home the winner in the 86th minute after Ben Jackson’s ball in, lifting Barrow into the top three.

Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn was left frustrated by the ease with which Barrow broke through in the second half after such a promising opening 45 minutes.

“We were superb first half,” he said. “We did the basics right, did everything else right and deservedly took the lead.

“The way we started the second half just put us on the back foot straight away.

“It was two poor goals for us to concede because it was too easy for them to get a cross in and I would say their goals were two almost unopposed tap-ins.”