BARROW AFC defender Rory Feely has reflected on an impressive first start for the Bluebirds.

A late goal for Colchester United from Kwesi Appiah snatched victory away from the visiting Cumbrians who had taken the led through Ben Whitfield earlier in the contest.

READ MORE: Pete Wild praises Barrow's 'aggressive attitude' in Colchester score draw

Despite the late equaliser from the Us, Rory Feely had put in an impressive shift in his first start for the club since joining from Bohemians FC in the January transfer window.

This included a debut assist for the Irish defender, who spoke to the club's website after the match about his maiden Barrow appearance.

He said: "It's a bit bittersweet really, obviously I was really excited to play today and I gave it everything I could for pretty much the 60 minutes I had in me and just frustrating at the end for something like that it happen.

"It's always gonna be frustrating when something happens in the last couple of minutes of the game but I am delighted to make my debut."

Since his arrival in the January window from Bohemians FC, Feely has been unavailable to feature to to a groin injury, something the Irish defender discussed after the result in North Essex.

He said: "I got a bit of a niggle a couple of weeks ago so it kind of kept me out of the team for a bit so I was just working hard on getting that sorted and getting myself within selection for the gaffer and then once that happened it was about taking my chance when I got there, so hopefully I have given him something to think about."

Pete Wild also heaped the praise on Rory Feely following his Bluebirds debut, whilst also highlighting the contribution of record-signing Ged Garner on his maiden Barrow appearance. 

He said: "The two debutants were very good today and that is what we wanted to bring more quality into the football club and that is what we have done and we are really pleased with our additions in January."