Birthday boy Andy Whing relieved as Barrow end losing streak against Crewe

Barrow boss Andy Whing was proud as punch as his side earned a welcome 1-0 win over Crewe.

The Bluebirds ended a four-game losing run as Isaac Fletcher’s first goal of the season secured a much-needed three points.

Barrow’s dressing room has been a sombre place in recent weeks as the Cumbrian club struggled for results.

But they held on for a confidence-boosting victory as Fletcher volleyed home a brilliant winner.

“There’s relief more than anything,” admitted Whing, who was celebrating his 41st birthday.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game of football. But we’ve been a little bit too open recently.

“We didn’t have a lot of the ball but we were really compact and I’m proud of the players.

“To get a performance like that and do that basics, that was all I asked for, I’m really pleased for the lads.

“The lads have been feeling it as well and myself. So to get a result like that, I’m delighted for everyone connected to the football club.

“We’ve made too many mistakes in games which have led to goals. We didn’t make a mistake today and that’s brilliant. We did the basics right and deserved our luck.

“Isaac’s got everything. He’s six foot four, he scores goals. He’s not played much football.

“I might have been a bit harsh on Tuesday night but we are much better in both boxes. Sometimes I’m brutally honest, maybe too honest at times.

“The boys were excellent. That back three, which was a bit makeshift, worked really really hard and did their jobs.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the result for the players and everyone around the club.

“We’ve lost four on the bounce. It’s been tough. We put too much pressure on ourselves sometimes so I’m delighted.”

The Railwaymen failed to further push their credentials as they missed the chance to keep up the pace with the play-off places.

Disappointed boss Lee Bell said: “I’ve said it before and it’s about being ruthless in both boxes. But sadly it was the same story which has cost us the game.

“It’s a terrible result for us. I’m not impressed with the performance at all.

“We made daft decisions. We’ve got three people including the goalkeeper jumping for a ball and the lad’s on his own and puts in a good strike.

“Players need to take on more responsibility. It’s all well and good having passes 30 yards away from their goal.

“We have players who are creative and will be judged on the goals they score and the assists.

“I’ll take responsibility as well, I always do. There’s so much more to give than being a pushover.”