Gillingham 1, Barrow 1

BARROW were left to rue Josh Kay’s missed penalty as their winless run in League Two stretched to five games.

The Bluebirds were desperate to get back to winning ways in the league after beating noisy neighbours Carlisle United in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek.

It would have been a first league win in a month, but most importantly they picked up a first point since September.

It was the first meeting between the two sides since 1972.

Kay had fired the visitors in front at Preistfield with a spectacular overhead kick, but Elkan Baggort’s late header sent Barrow home with just a point.

Pete Wild made a trio of changes from last weekend’s defeat at Rochdale.

Sam McClelland, Sam Foley and top scorer Josh Gordon missed out as George Ray, Tom White and David Moyo returned to the starting line-up.

The Bluebirds started strongly and had Gillingham goalkeeper Glenn Morris worried early on.

Recalled Moyo almost made it a perfect return to the side when he glanced a header wide early in the first half.

And the striker was the first to force Morris into a save from close range.

Barrow saw huge shouts for a penalty waved away when Tyrell Warren went down in the box on the half-hour mark.

Moments later, Kay came agonisingly close to giving the visitors the lead as his thunderous strike rattled the bar and bounced on to the line.

Down the other end, Paul Farman produced a great fingertip save to push Hakeeb Adelakun’s effort on to the bar.

But Kay made no mistake second time around as he fired Barrow in front 10 minutes before half time.

And what a goal it was! The midfield maestro converted Ben Whitfield’s cross in fine style with an overhead kick from six yards out.

The Bluebirds threatened but Morris rushed off his line to avert the danger before Billy Waters could put them two up on the stroke of half time.

After the break, Moyo earned Wild’s charges a potentially game-defining penalty when he was felled by Elkan Baggott.

But Morris guessed correctly as he kept Kay’s spot kick out to his left.

Gillingham piled on the pressure after Morris’ morale-boosting penalty save.

Farman produced a brilliant save after play had seemingly stopped for offside.

The shot-stopper did incredibly well to keep out Lewis Walker to maintain the Bluebirds’ lead.

Harrison Neal blasted miles wide as Barrow searched for a second before the hosts levelled.

William Wright’s corner drew Farman off his line and Baggott towered above him to head home with 16 minutes left.

Scott Kashket missed a glaring chance to win it when he poked wide at the near post.

Defender Warren hit a tame header straight at Morris as both sides settled for a point.