Sam Foley takes a point in his first game in charge of Barrow

Sam Foley marked his first game as Barrow player-head coach with a goalless League Two draw against Accrington.

Foley, who named himself among the substitutes, replaced Dino Maamria last Wednesday to become the Cumbrians’ fifth manager of the year and fourth of 2026.

This was a much-improved performance from the previous 2-0 home defeat by Bristol Rovers, but despite the point, Barrow dropped into the bottom two courtesy of Newport’s win at Barnet.

The home side bossed possession against a visiting side who are now without a win in five games. But Stanley goalkeeper Ollie Wright and Barrow counterpart Wyll Stanway were largely spectators.

Josh Gordon’s first-half header was a tame one while Rakeem Harper blazed over after a surging run from halfway.

Accrington, however, almost stole victory in the final minute when substitute Dan Martin cracked a long-range attempt against Stanway’s left upright.

Veteran striker Paddy Madden netted the rebound but was flagged offside, much to the home side’s relief.