PETE WILD is delighted Barrow keep proving their critics wrong after their marvellous March.

The Bluebirds were written off in the promotion race after three defeats in a row in February.

But they responded in style with four wins and two draws from their six games in March, with the latest a 3-1 victory against Grimsby Town at Holker Street.

Wild’s charges are six points off third-placed Wrexham, with a game in hand, but eight points clear of the chasing pack in the play-off shake-up.

“It’s interesting because a lot of people had written us off at the end of February,” remembered Wild. 

“There were a lot of people saying ridiculous things about us and they are things that I remember even if everybody else doesn’t.

“To come back with 14 out of 18 points this month is an outstanding achievement so I’m proud of everybody at the football club.

“It shows that everybody goes through these little bumps and it’s how you respond to them.

“We always said if we were still in the race come March then that was our time because we had five out of six home games. 

“We knew if we needed to do it then it was this month and the lad’s have delivered. 

“Actions have spoken louder than words and we’re really pleased with that.”

Cole Stockton bagged his sixth and seventh goals since joining the club on loan in January inside the first 22 minutes. 

Robbie Gotts eased the pressure as he fired home the third with eight minutes to go before a fifth clean sheet in six went begging as Justin Obikwu scored at the very end. 

And on the game, Wild admitted: “I was a bit frustrated with the players at half-time because they hadn’t gone and killed the game off because we had so many chances.

“I said to them that they were basically playing like the game was over. I told them that it wasn’t over and they had to come out second half and really push. 

“Getting the third goal really helped us. I was really frustrated with the goal we conceded because that’s not us. We’re generally better than that.

“It eased the pressure a bit.

“They were knocking the door down because they had nothing to lose at 2-0 down. They were pushing and pushing so to kill it off in that manner is really pleasing.

“I’m really pleased with Rob because me and him have a bit of banter going where I say he doesn’t score enough goals, but he’s proved me wrong, which is really pleasing.”

Barrow have seven games left of the regular season, with a potential season-defining final-day blockbuster against Mansfield Town. 

But focus is fully on a short trip for a derby at Morecambe on Easter Monday.

“I really like Morecambe, they’re a good side,” insisted Wild. 

“I think they’ve caused a lot of teams a lot of problems.

“I know how important the game is for the fans today and what they want today and we’ll be ready for what’s to come.”