Stephen Clemence ‘proud’ of Barrow’s display despite late draw with Notts County

Stephen Clemence admitted he was “proud” of Barrow’s first point in three games after a 1-1 draw with Notts County.

David McGoldrick netted his sixth goal of the campaign in the third minute of stoppage time to move the Magpies up to third in the table after he had been pulled down by Chris Stokes to deny the Cumbrians victory.

Rory Feely had given Barrow the lead in the seventh minute, but they could not hold on as the stalemate leaves them one point adrift of the play-offs.

Barrow boss Clemence admitted: “We probably needed that second goal, but we could not manage it.

“But I am proud of the boys. We have stopped the rot. It is the kind of performance I want to see as head coach.

“If I was a supporter in the ground and looking at my team, I saw a group of players really playing for the badge.”

Clemence’s positivity was marred by referee Andrew Kitchen’s decision not to award a second-minute penalty when winger Elliot Newby appeared to be dragged down.

“How that one isn’t given I do not know,” he said. “But it is a penalty for them.

“I have seen it back so I am not going to moan about that too much.

“And when I think about the game, was a draw a fair result? It might have been.”

The Magpies have made a habit of recovering points with their second-half performances this season.

Alex Bass was the busier of the goalkeepers in the opening period, but County dominated in the second.

Barrow keeper Wyll Stanway made an outstanding double save late on, but the home side’s resistance was finally broken and McGoldrick denied them a first Football League win over County since 1966.

“They are tough decisions for the referee to give, but it is a blatant penalty,” said County boss Stuart Maynard.

“This is a tough place to come. Not many teams will come here and pick up points.

“But if you look at us this season, we always go to the end in every game.

“I always believe we have enough quality to get a chance. There is always a big moment out there.

“We play with a lot of measure and patience and you saw that tonight. We created chances without being rushed.

“We have said it to the group that when we do go behind we have to be calm. We can’t go two behind because it then starts becoming difficult.

“We have to make sure we have the control and the lads did it excellently. They have the mentality and character to keep going and never give up.

“In this division, it is hard to come away from home and consistently pick up three points. So, this is a good point.”