ASSISTANT boss Robbie Stockdale was delighted Barrow got back on the winning trail after hammering Aston Villa’s U21s 3-0 in the EFL Trophy.

Although it was a dead rubber in the competition, it could turn out to be an important marker in the Bluebirds’ season. 

Stephen Clemence’s charges were desperate to get a win under their belt after the trio of painful stoppage-time draws in their last three league outings.

And they did just that with a thoroughly professional performance at Holker Street.

Dom Telford quipped his long-range lob was “in my top 50” but there were also goals for Theo Vassell and Andy Dallas. 

“It’s nice to get that winning feeling back,” admitted Stockdale, after Barrow’s first win in eight in all competitions. 

“We wanted to get our mojo back, it felt like that a little bit. Our performances haven’t been that bad, we just haven’t picked up the points that we could have.

“It’s about good habits and getting back into that rhythm and feeling good about ourselves having won the game and we’ve done that. “To a man the players carried that out very well. There were some excellent performances.

“When you put it into context we’re playing an U21 team and we should be winning that game, but it’s easier said than done. 

“We wanted to win the game. We set out to do that and thankfully we have.”

The Bluebirds were dominant on the night and on another day could have scored even more.

That will be the most pleasing aspect for Clemence after seeing his side struggle in front of goal in recent weeks.

And Stockdale added: “It was a good performance. We thoroughly deserved the win.

“First of all we asked the players to have the right attitude in the game and I thought they did that from the first whistle to the end.

“Three goals, we could have had a couple more if we’re being ultra critical. But a clean sheet as well, it was a pleasing evening. 

“It was just about going about our business in the right manner. 

“Credit to Aston Villa, you never know what they’re going to bring. But they were very technically good players. It challenges you, it challenges the way you defend.

“We can be really pleased with our night’s work. Everyone’s come through in good health which is important.”

The game also presented Clemence his last opportunity to get competitive minutes into the legs of players on the fringe of the first team and coming back from injury.

Shot-stopper Paul Farman made his first appearance since the Chelsea game as he returned from injury. It was a quiet night in goal, but he made a good double save when called upon.

Charlie Kirk, signed last month as a free agent, made his full debut and played the full 90 minutes.

“Farms has come back in goal and made a really good save. He was back to his usual self so there are loads of positives,” reflected Stockdale.

“You go through the team, so players were in from the weekend, but Junior came in and played really well, Rory [Feely] came back from illness and played really well. 

“Our team was strong, but there were minutes and game time given to those who needed it.”