Match Preview: Rovers vs Barrow – Building Momentum at the Mem

There’s a real chance for Rovers to kick on now. The mood has lifted massively after back-to-back wins, first grinding it out at Grimsby and then edging that rollercoaster derby at Newport. Suddenly, the lads look sharper, the away end is bouncing, and the Mem is starting to believe again.

Next up it’s Barrow at home – and these are exactly the kind of games we’ve got to be winning if we want to push ourselves into the right end of the table. They’ll be stubborn, they’ll make it awkward, and they’ll look to hit us when they can, but with the form and confidence we’ve built in the last fortnight, this is our chance to put down a marker.

Luke Thomas is flying right now, chasing everything and popping up with goals when we need them. Ellis Harrison has slotted straight back into the side and gives us a proper focal point up top, while Alfie Chang looks more assured with every game in the middle. The balance is starting to look right, and you can see the belief coming back into the players.

That said, this is Rovers – nothing ever comes easy. We’ve got to stay switched on at the back, keep our shape, and not let Barrow spoil the occasion. If we play with the same intensity we showed in South Wales, though, there’s every reason to feel confident.

Prediction: Gas to win it 2–1, Thomas on the scoresheet again and Harrison to bag one in front of the Thatchers. It might get nervy, but three points is what matters.

Up the Gas.

Barrow Danger Man 🔍

Kane Hemmings

Hemmings is Barrow’s number 15 striker and probably their biggest attacking threat. He’s got bags of experience in League One and Two, and doesn’t need much of a sniff in the box to punish you. If Barrow are going to threaten Rovers, he’ll be the one to look out for.

Ben Whitfield (“Tricky Ben”)

If you’re after a player who can cause chaos out wide (or inside), Whitfield is dangerous. Quick feet, decent goal threat, and creative – he’s earned himself a decent reputation for being able to change games, especially if you give him space to run.