Barrow extended their winning run to four National League matches as late substitute Keaton Ward struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory over 10-man Wealdstone at Holker Street.
The visitors picked up the game’s first booking when Dylan Kadji was cautioned in the 14th minute, before Barrow took the lead nine minutes later. Corey Edwards provided the final ball for Rekeem Harper, who scored his second goal in three league matches to put the Bluebirds ahead.
Wealdstone’s response was immediate. Fejiri Okenabirhie supplied Ronan Maher in the 26th minute and the midfielder found the net to bring the Stones level just three minutes after Harper’s opener.
The remainder of the first half brought more cards but no further goals. Barrow’s Seb Thompson and George Walker were both booked, while Abraham Kanu was cautioned for Wealdstone as the sides went into the interval level at 1-1.
Joe Newton became the fifth player booked nine minutes after the restart before Wealdstone were reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute. Kadji, who had been cautioned early in the first half, received a second yellow card and was dismissed with more than half an hour remaining.
Barrow responded to the sending-off by introducing Dan Mooney for Walker, while Wealdstone made three changes in the 67th minute as Amaru Kaunda, Jack Cook and Dan Chesters replaced Okenabirhie, Newton and Olufela Olomola. Carmichael Uchenna later came on for goalscorer Maher.
Adam Murray’s side continued searching for a winner against the depleted visitors and introduced Innes Cameron for Harper with 11 minutes of normal time remaining. Barrow then made three further late changes, with Ward, Mikey Lane and A. Allen entering the game as Corey Edwards, Alex Reid and Thompson made way.
One of those substitutions proved decisive. With the game deep into added time, Ward found the net to give Barrow a 2-1 lead and deny Wealdstone a point after the Stones had played the closing stages with 10 men.
The victory continued an impressive turnaround for Barrow, who have now beaten Aldershot Town, Southend United, Scunthorpe United and Wealdstone in succession after failing to win either of their previous two league matches. The Bluebirds ended Saturday ninth in the National League with 18 points from 12 games.
Wealdstone’s defeat ended a two-match unbeaten run following their 4-0 victory over Gateshead and midweek draw at Forest Green Rovers. The Stones finished the weekend 19th with 12 points from 12 matches.
