BARROW boss Stephen Clemence admitted his side’s impressive Carabao Cup victory over Port Vale was bittersweet.

The Bluebirds made it two wins on the spin with a batting 3-2 win at Holker Street.

But victory was tempered by the news that filtered through before kick-off that the club’s Life President Brian Keen had sadly died.

Keen spearheaded the consortium of local businessman who saved the club from extinction in 1999.

A minute’s silence was held before the match and all players wore a black armband as a mark of respect following Keen’s passing.

“It was obviously a great result for us, but the news we heard beforehand was very sad indeed,” admitted Clemence.

“We’ve lost a wonderful man who has done a great deal for this football club.

“My thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family.”

An outstanding 77th minute curling finish from Ben Jackson capped off a superb second-half turnaround to fire Clemence’s side into the next round where they could face a Premier League side.

“It was business as usual for us, but you’d like to think maybe he was looking down on us, helping us,” added Clemence. “I think he’d have enjoyed the game if he had been here with us.

“It’s nice to get a win on what is a very sad day for the club.

“Our thoughts now are with his friends and family in which, I’m sure, is a very sad time for them.”

Ged Garner’s sweet first-minute finish gave the hosts a dream start, but summer signing Ruari Paton levelled in the 26th minute with a wicked free-kick for the Valiants.

And it got even better for the visitors when substitute full-back Tom Sang smashed home to give them the lead shortly after the hour mark.

But the Bluebirds dug deep and needed just four minutes before striker Emile Acquah restored parity.

Jackson then completed a splendid comeback to delight the home supporters on an emotional night for all concerned with the club.

“We had a great start,” reflected Clemence. “We always say to the boys we want to get off to a fast start.

“I know all coaches say it, but you have to have a game plan to go and do it.

“It’s always nice to go 1-0 up, but when you got 1-0 up in games you tend to win a lot more than you lose, which was thankfully the case. I’m very, very happy.”

The Bluebirds beat Crewe 1-0 at home in their opening league fixture of the season last Saturday – and as yet they have not conceded in the league.

“The temptation was there to make more changes,” revealed Clemence, who shuffled his pack for the cup fixture and ahead of Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated derby clash with Carlisle United.

“I decided I needed to change a couple, but I’d like us to have a cup run if we can.

“I said to the boys before the game, as a football player, you want to have nice memories when you look back at your career.

“They might not remember beating Port Vale, respectively, but if they play a Premier League and go and cause an upset in the next round, well you’ll never know.

“You might get the chance to go and play at a wonderful stadium and one they’ve never played at before.”

“They can be really proud of themselves, especially going 2-1 down. We showed great character to win.”