BARROW’s wait for victory in ‘El Cumbrio’ goes on after a derby stalemate against Carlisle at Brunton Park.
And while creating the better chances in the opening period, Mark Cooper’s visitors were a crossbar width from defeat in the second.
Rod McDonald’s 86th minute effort rattled the woodwork and bounced back into play much to the relief of the visitors.
Jamie Jones did find the net in stoppage time but the referee’s whistle had already sounded for an infringement.
A point apiece was probably fair as Barrow came up short in their attempt to gain a first league win over their fellow Cumbrians since 1960.
Carlisle took four points from a possible six when this Football League rivalry resumed between these teams last term for the first time since 1964.
Due to last season’s pandemic restrictions, that year also marked the last time fans could attend this fixture in person.
More than 1,600 Barrovians made the most of the opportunity, ensuring Brunton Park recorded its highest attendance of the season-7470 – despite the early afternoon kick-off.
As well as county bragging rights, both sides wanted the three points; Carlisle going into the contest with no win in nine league games and Barrow with no win in five.
And after 10 seconds, Carlisle almost marked new manager Keith Millen’s first league game in charge at Brunton Park with the opening goal.
Instead, Paul Farman was equal to the edge of the area snapshot from ex Bolton and Nottingham Forest star Zach Clough.
Callum Guy volleyed wide as United kept up the early pressure before Barrow settled into the contest.
Top scorer Ollie Banks skied a 19th minute shot prelude to Barrow wasting three good chances to break the deadlock.
Matty Platt headed wide from Joe Grayson’s in swinging corner while unmarked Josh Gordon should have at least headed Connor Brown’s inviting cross on target from six yards.
Ozzy Zanzala, who scored for Carlisle in last season’s 2-2 draw at Holker Street, also lacked accuracy from close range with only Mark Howard to beat.
The second half was an equally cagey affair. With an hour gone, boss Cooper made his first change, taking off Gordon-earlier booked for a foul on Jack Armer-and bringing on Josh Kay.
Almost immediately, Zanzala needed treatment on the edge of Carlisle’s penalty area but was able to resume his dual against McDonald.
The game though needed a lift with the second half lacking any chances of real note. Farman saved from Jordan Gibson while Jones and Platt flashed headers wide from set piece deliveries.
Carlisle made a double change with 20 minutes remaining -Fishburn and Alessandra replacing Young and Abrahams. With six minutes left, they almost snatched victory.
Fortunately for Barrow, centre half McDonald’s left foot drive hit the cross bar and bounced back down close to the line. Alessandra lifted a follow-up cross onto the roof of Farman’s net.
Some Bluebirds’ fans thought their side had netted a stoppage time winner only for Jones’ shot to be ruled out by referee Martin Coy.
Barrow remain six points ahead of Carlisle in the table.
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