BARROW AFC suffered a heavy defeat on the road as Kilmarnock ran out 5-0 victors.

Speaking after the game Bluebirds head coach Stephen Clemence admitted to being disappointed at the result, and said there were lessons to be learned.

But there is no need for Clemence or anyone else for that matter to read to much into the final scoreline.

Barrow gave a good account of themselves in the opening 45 minutes.

In fact, they could have gone ahead on 16 minutes as a fantastic run from Niall Canavan swa him play in Andy Dallas, but he fired wide of the target.

It was the hosts who opened the scoring on 25 minutes, Joe Wright’s header deflecting off a Barrow defender and into the net.

Just after the hour mark the visitors went close to levelling as Kian Spence fired in an effort, and then new defender Theo Vassell tried to stab the ball home, but the keeper managed to grab the ball.

The Bluebirds went close again on 37 minutes – David Worrall played in a good ball to Dallas, and he cut the ball back to Elliot Newby, who saw his first-time striker saved.

There remained just one goal in it as the first half came to a close.

Clemence made just one change at the break bringing on Trialist  A for Vassell.

Hopes on getting back on terms were dealt a blow as the home side double their lead within two minutes of the restart.

Danny Armstrong got the wrong side of Junior Tiensia and the result saw the hosts awarded a penalty – Armstrong dusting himself down to make it 2-0 from the spot.

At that point the wheels came off somewhat for the Cumbrians Marley Watkins making it 3-0 on 49 minutes.

Dom Telford tried his luck from 40 yards out just before the hour mark, but the effort flew well wide.

Seconds later Barrow made seven changes.

But things went from bad to worse on 65 minutes as Barrow conceded a second penalty.

Armstrong again stepped up to convert making it 4-0.

A minute later, the scoring was complete as Fraser Murray curled the ball into the net for Killie’s fifth of the evening.

Barrow did create a further chance on 74 minutes, but the Killie keeper was equal to Ged Garner’s low free-kick from 25-yards out.

It was a tough night on the road for Clemence’s men and 132 away supporters who had made the trip to Rugby Park.

However, the defeat should be taken in context.

Kilmarnock finished fourth in the Scottish Premier League last season and tomorrow night face Belgian side Cercle Brugge in the Europa League.

With Scotland’s top-flight starting a week earlier than Barrow’s League Two campaign, Killie are also further down the line with their pre-season preparations.

On the plus side there was more minutes on the grass for the Barrow players as they look to step things up this week in training.

Clemence’s men had been due to face Stockport County in a friendly at Holker Street tomorrow night, but County have pulled the plug due to changes in their training schedule.

The Bluebirds will be hoping there is some good news on Mazeed Ogungbo, who was subbed with an injury on 39 minutes on Friday night, with Clemence admitting he probably won’t know the full extent of the problem for the next day or so.

Next up for the Bluebirds is the visit of Spanish side Real Union Club this Saturday (Kick-off 3pm).