BARROW AFC were made to settle for a share of the spoils in their first home friendly of pre-season.

Stephen Clemence’s led his side out for the first time at Holker Street and saw them earn a 2-2 draw with Spanish side Real Union Club.

The visitors got the game underway, and looked to get on the front foot very early one, but Aitor Etxabe saw his progress halted as he was challenged in the area.

The Bluebirds began to grow into the game as they increased the tempo.

Their efforts were almost rewarded when a good piece of play saw Dean Campbell and Robbie Gotts link up. That led to the ball fizzing across the face of goal, but Emile Acquah was unable to connect with his outstretched leg.

Ged Garner almost added to his pre-season tally when he looked to get on the end of a superb cross from summer signing Katia Kouyate.

Unfortunately for the hosts Garner’s effort was just inches wide of the target.

However, they didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough to come.

And it came from one of the Bluebirds’ new boys – Connor Mahoney twisted and turned in the Union box to create the time and space to slot the ball home.

With the first half coming to an end, the Spaniards got back on level terms.

Real Union won a free-kick on the of the Barrow penalty area and made their opportunity count.

The set-piece was swung towards the back post and the delivery was duly met by Javier Dominguez, who headed into the top corner to make it 1-1.

And so it was all square as the opening 45 minutes came to a close.

Barrow came out the of the blocks quickest after the restart and could have gone back in front early on.

Garner did superbly well to bring down a ball and play in Acquah, but the big striker’s effort was straight at Carlos Perez in Real Union goal.

The Bluebirds continued to press and were deservedly back in front just before the hour mark.

A whipped corner from Gotts fell to Theo Vassell, who saw his attempt cleared off the line.

But Rory Feely was first to react and smashed the rebound into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.

Shortly after that Clemence made six changes with Acquah, Garner, Vassell, Gotts, Campbell, and Mahoney all making way for: Andy Dallas, Dom Telford, Sam Foley, Kian Spence, Elliot Newby, and David Worrall.

After the changes, the Spaniards began to come into the game more.

The pushed the hosts for every ball and fought their way back into the reckoning.

Their efforts were rewarded when Ivan Ayon stabbed the ball past the outrushing Paul Farman to level at 2-2.

Exchanges got a little more heated as the game drew to a close, but at the final whistle it was a case of honours even.

Clemence’s men are back in action at Holker Street on Tuesday night.

National League outfit AFC Fylde are the visitors for the clash, which has had its kick-off brought forward to 7pm.

The Bluebirds final pre-season fixture is also on home turf as they entertain Wigan Athletic at Holker Street on Saturday, August 10 (kick-off 3pm).

BARROW AFC: Farman ©, Campbell (Spence 61’), Garner (Dallas 61’), Gotts (Newby 61’), Kouyate (Etaluku 81’), Acquah (Telford 61’), Mahoney (Worrall 61’), Feely, Tiensia, Trialist A, Vassell (Foley 61’).