Forest Green Rovers are back in Enterprise National League action this Saturday, making the long trip north to Barrow.
Rovers will be hoping to build on Tuesday’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Chesham United.
Barrow were also in FA Cup action midweek, beating Gloucester City 2-0.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Bluebirds ahead of Saturday’s 3 pm kick-off in LA14.
The Opposition
Name - Barrow AFC
Nickname - The Bluebirds
Founded - 1901
League position - 8th (21 points)
Barrow are on a seven-match unbeaten run, including five straight league wins.
The Bluebirds were relegated from League Two last season, finishing 24th.
It was a tough start for the Cumbrian side following relegation, but since the end of August, Barrow have suffered just one defeat.
One of Barrow’s most eye-catching results this season came four weeks ago at Roots Hall. Goals from Rakeem Harper, Seb Thompson, Daniel Mooney and an own goal from Darren Oldaker saw the Bluebirds defeat Southend United 4-2.
Saturday’s hosts have also picked up league wins over Sutton United, Aldershot Town, Scunthorpe United, Wealdstone and Tamworth.
The Manager - Adam Murray
Adam Murray was appointed as Barrow manager in the summer, replacing caretaker manager Sam Foley following relegation.
Murray guided Kidderminster Harriers to promotion from the National League North via the play-offs.
Harriers clinched promotion with a 2-0 win away at South Shields in the play-off final.
Since moving north, Murray has won six of his 13 National League games.
Like Kidderminster, the 45-year-old has previously managed both AFC Fylde and Eastbourne Borough.
One to Watch - Rakeem Harper
Rakeem Harper is into his second season at the Furness Building Society Stadium.
The 26-year-old joined the Bluebirds from Port Vale in July 2025 on a free transfer.
Harper has five goals to his name so far this season in the National League.
The midfielder has plenty of experience higher up the pyramid with spells at West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Crewe Alexandra, Exeter City and Burton Albion.
Having failed to find the net in the FA Cup, Harper will be hoping to get back among the goals soon and is someone FGR fans should look out for this weekend.
H2H
13/02/24 - Barrow 1-2 FGR (McAllister 21’, Osadebe 56’)
24/10/23 - FGR 0-2 Barrow
15/04/22 - Barrow 4-0 FGR
23/11/21 - FGR 2-0 Barrow (Stevens 61’, 83’)
27/04/21 - FGR 0-2 Barrow
