Rovers are back on the road and make the long trip to Cumbria to take on Barrow in their Good Friday game.

With six games to go in the league, Rovers will be looking to take one step closer to achieving their goal this season.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Bluebirds ahead of this week’s clash.

MEET THE MANAGER: PHIL BROWN

Phil Brown replaced former FGR manager Mark Cooper as Barrow boss just a few weeks ago on a deal until the end of the season.

The South Shields-born gaffer most notably turned out for Hartlepool United and Bolton Wanderers during his playing career making over 200 appearances for both clubs.

He also played for Halifax Town and Blackpool where he played under Sam Allardyce before becoming his assistant.

He went on to assist Sam Allardyce for six years with Bolton before taking the lead role with the likes of Derby County, Hull City and Preston North End.

He spent five years with Southend United before a spell in the Indian Super League with Hyderabad FC.

Brown hasn’t endured the best of starts at Holker Street losing all of his first three league games with the club.

KEY PLAYER: OLLIE BANKS

Ollie Banks made the move to Cumbria and joined the Bluebirds from fellow League Two side Tranmere Rovers back in the 2021 January transfer window.

Now 29, Banks came through the ranks at Rotherham United and scored on his debut before various loan spells and a move to Gainsborough Trinity in 2012.

After more moves in non-league and three years at Chesterfield, the midfielder had further spells in the Football League with Northampton, Oldham Athletic, Swindon and Tranmere.

Banks headed North to Barrow at the start of last year and has been a standout player for the relegation battlers this campaign.

He’s the sides penalty taker and has scored four from the spot on top of the five he’s netted from open play in the league.

FORM – LLLLW

15/03/22 – Scunthorpe United 0-1 Barrow

19/03/22 – Barrow 1-2 Carlisle United

26/03/22 – Leyton Orient 2-0 Barrow

02/04/22 – Barrow 1-2 Port Vale

09/04/22 – Crawley Town 1-0 Barrow

LAST TIME OUT

Barrow fell to a fourth defeat in a row as they narrowly lost 1-0 to Crawley Town at The People’s Pension Stadium.

The all important goal came not long after the break and it was a great move by the hosts.

Some neat play from Tom Nichols allowed him to set Will Ferry free who fired it in to Kwesi Appiah to flick home the winner and his 11th of the season.

Appiah had a golden chance to make it two but couldn’t and was almost punished when Luke James’ effort was blocked off the line late in the day.

The loss leaves Barrow outside the relegation zone only on goal difference as the Bluebirds, Oldham and Stevenage look set to battle to beat the drop.

LAST TIME WE MET

Two second half goals ensured Rovers gained all three points against Barrow at The Fully Charged New Lawn back in November.

In a quiet opening 45, a sighter from Nicky Cadden was easily batted away by Paul Farman in one of the only notable chances.

Rovers eventually found the opener just after the hour mark as Matty Stevens’ downward header found the net from a Nicky Cadden corner.

And with just over five minutes to go captain Jamille Matt put it on a plate for Stevens to grab a second and secure the victory.

The win meant Rob Edwards’ side extended their unbeaten league run to six games ahead of a big clash against Bristol Rovers which they also won 2-0.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The two sides have met 19 times playing games in both the National League and League 2, having both been promoted to the Football League in recent years.

Its Rovers who hold a slender advantage in the head to head as they edge it with six wins to the Bluebirds’ five.

The sides first locked horns in the 1998/99 season as the two played In the then Football Conference.

This fixture has had its fair share of draws with one 0-0 stalemate which came back in 2016, on top of seven score draws.