Goalkeeping coach Josh Lillis was the penalty hero as Barrow scored their opening win of the Papa John’s Trophy.

Lillis, 35, made two stops in the spot kick shootout including a winning save from Sam Glenfield.

He also kept out Carl Johnston’s penalty while John Rooney, Ben Whitfield, Harrison Neal and Robbie Gotts were on target in the 4-3 win.

For Gotts, it was redemption for last week’s miss in the Carabao Cup exit to Lincoln at Holker Street.

Barrow’s win was worth two points after the teams finished 1-1 in normal time and also earned the club £10,000 from the prize pot.

League One Fleetwood went ahead through Brendan Wiredu before John Rooney’s trademark free kick levelled the game before half-time.

An entertaining game had a lively start with AFC suffering a let-off after just two minutes. Promise Omochere crossed from the left and Cian Hayes’ close range effort hit the post.

Barrow responded by forcing two corners and winning a free kick in a promising position; all comfortably dealt with by the home defence.

Fleetwood won 3-1 at Holker Street in last season’s competition on the way to qualifying for round two.

Lillis made one of only two appearances last season in that game and Paul Farman’s deputy justified this latest selection with a smart 15th minute save from Carlos Mendes Gomes.

The visitors struggled to retain possession though some neat footwork by Myles Kenlock in front of the Barrow fans was well received.

So it was no surprise when Wiredu fired Fleetwood ahead after 29 minutes. Johnston, Hayes and Mendes Gomes linked superbly to set up the chance while Wiredu’s curling left foot effort from 18 yards was top drawer.

The goal, at least, instilled greater urgency into AFC’s approach. Rooney’s pass and Jordan Stevens’ cross fractionally eluded Billy Waters while David Moyo unleashed a speculative long-range effort.

Town quickly turned defence into attack but fortunately for Barrow, Ged Garner slipped in the area before he could test Lillis.

But the Bluebirds were gaining confidence and Rooney took his chance magnificently when Johnston upended Tom White on the edge of the area and was booked for his trouble.

Rooney’s strike was his first since his winner against Sutton last April that saved Barrow’s Football League status.

Wild introduced Whitfield in place of Waters for the second half and Barrow were soon on the front foot.

Stevens side-footed Kenlock’s cross into the side netting but should have forced a save from Jakub Stolarczyk. Rooney teed-up White but again couldn’t test the Polish keeper.

The Bluebirds though were getting closer and Moyo flicked a header onto the top of the bar from Ray’s assist and Rooney’s corner after 57 minutes.

Garner carried Town’s threat and Lillis’s legs saved a goal-bound effort while Hayes wasn’t far away with another chance.

Fleetwood continued to dominate and Omochere blazed over from eight yards with only Lillis to beat,

Moyo might have avoided penalties but misdirected an 84th minute header from Rooney’s corner. But it didn’t matter and the Bluebirds came through their latest test by pens.