BARROW AFC steadied the ship in the wake of their away-day troubles by securing a home draw against Guiseley at fortress Holker Street.

The Bluebirds headed into last night’s contest against the Lions on the back of successive heavy defeats, which saw them concede four goals at fancied National League sides Grimsby Town and Forest Green Rovers.

But AFC took a big step towards recovering from those big set-backs by producing a battling and focussed display, although they will be disappointed that they did not claim all three points.

There was little between the teams for much of the first half until Barrow raised their game and then took the lead through Jason Walker’s first goal of the season.

But after Harvey wasted a golden opportunity, Nicky Boshell’s sublime free-kick levelled matters in the dying moments of the first-half.

Barrow created enough chances to win the contest after the break, although they were relieved to see a Guiseley effort hit the woodwork.

Despite their best efforts, and after being the superior side in the second period, Barrow had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Right-back George Williams made his full AFC debut after sealing his three-month loan deal from League One Barnsley, replacing Niall Cowperthwaite in the starting-XI.

Fellow new loanee, Wigan striker Sam Cosgrove, started from the substitutes’ bench.

Midfielder Harvey replaced the injured Dave Symington (hamstring), and centre-back Simon Grand was handed a quick recall, coming into the team for the suspended Steve Williams.

Grand partnered Livesey at the heart of the defence with the latter able to take part after AFC successfully appealed the red card he picked up at Forest Green.

Former Bluebirds striker Adam Boyes spurned an excellent third-minute chance to put the visitors ahead after racing clear by latching on to Thomas Craddock’s pass.

The Holker Street faithful, who are familiar with the hit-man’s goalscoring talents, must have feared the worst but Boyes dragged his low shot wide of the left-hand post.

Soon after, Walker sliced his volley wide of the target.

The action was lively in the early stages as both sides displayed a hunger to take a positive approach, even if some passes went astray.

Walker’s strike partner, Andy Cook, over-cooked his cross in the ninth minute as a potentially good attacking opportunity fell flat, before the attacker also volleyed off-target on 13 minutes.

The Lions were producing enough dynamic play to cause the Bluebirds problems as they looked to exploit holes in the midfield areas.

Meanwhile, there was a need for the hosts to add more clarity to their passing play.

Boyes stole in to seize possession from Williams and decent Guiseley play led to the ball being swung over towards the far right-hand post.

Craddock headed the ball back across goal, but Livesey was well-positioned to clear.

On 18 minutes, Boyes aimed a firm strike straight at home stopper Joel Dixon.

But the game was developing into a tight affair, as Cook met Neil Ashton’s cross on 22 minutes, but headed wide.

On the half-hour mark, Ashton got into a good crossing position down the left but his centre was comfortably collected by Lions stopper Steven Drench.

Craddock drove past Grand but Livesey was held up the Guiseley man to prevent him breaking loose.

Barrow upped their game with Ashton sending a set-piece into the Lions’ box, but Harvey was unable to reach the ball and get a shot off.

And Barrow took the lead on 36 minutes when Drench found Cook’s strike too hot to handle. Walker displayed predatory instincts by pouncing to convert the loose ball from close range.

Boyes endured a frustrating first half and he was unable to properly connect with the ball when he attempted to fire in volley in the 41st minute.

Harvey fluffed his lines when he turned and blasted an eight-yard volley straight at Drench.

Shots from Andy Haworth and Cook were blocked, before Guiseley equalised in impressive fashion in the first minute of first-half injury time as Boshell stroked his 25-yard free-kick into the top corner.

Boshell was in the mood to produce another specatular effort on 49 minutes, when his audacious 40-yard lob cleared the hosts’ bar.

But Barrow got back on to the front foot, Walker lifted the ball over Drench, sending the ball just over.

And Walker would have been disappointed not to have hit the target on 61 minutes as he flashed a low drive wide of the far right-hand post.

Nicky Boshell fired wide before Drench did well to tip over Cook’s header, while Boyes’ nodded effort missed the target soon after.

Guiseley came agonisingly close to going ahead on 69 minutes as Craddock’s shot rattled the left-hand post. Wayne Brooksby then smashed the rebound at Dixon who made the save.

Craddock misfired on 77 minutes, before a Cook header failed to test Drench four minutes later. Drench advanced off his line to punch the ball off the rampaging Cook’s head.

Cook was injured after the coming together and was replaced by Cosgrove who came on to make his AFC debut.

Neither team were able to find the net again as Barrow chalked up their fourth point of the campaign.