Barrow captain Niall Canavan has dubbed their clash with Carlisle United as the biggest game of the Bluebirds’ season.
The all-Cumbrian encounter at Holker Street is looming on Thursday.
It is a big game for both sides, with bottom-placed Carlisle desperate for points to boost their safety bid and Barrow also seeking improvement after back-to-back defeats and four losses in their last six.
Defender Canavan has said every player should be fully aware of what their clash with United means.
The experienced player was fuming at how 18th-placed Barrow collapsed to a 3-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
“It’s just nowhere near good enough,” Canavan said in " target="_blank" class="link"> a post-match club interview.
“We’ve got the biggest game of the season on Thursday, and we’ve got to come out and the people who are picked to play have got to show what they’re about.
“Make no bones about it, that’s a huge, huge game.”
Barrow are 11 points above the relegation zone under new boss Andy Whing.
Their home fortunes so far in 2024/25 have been in significant contrast to their away efforts.
At their own SO Legal Stadium Barrow have won eight, drawn four and lost four, whilst on the road it is two wins, three draws and 11 defeats.
Carlisle won the clubs' most recent meeting 1-0 at Brunton Park in August (Image: Ben Holmes)
“There aren’t huge things within it that are wrong. But we’re getting done too regularly with rubbish stuff – it’s simple, basic stuff,” added Canavan.
Carlisle’s visit on Thursday will be the eighth league meeting of the clubs since Barrow returned to the EFL in 2020.
The south Cumbrians have yet to beat their rivals in that league spell, with Carlisle winning five and drawing two of their meetings. Barrow defeated the Blues in the EFL Trophy in October 2022 but have not beaten United in the league since a 5-1 win in April 1960.
“If you need motivation for Thursday’s game you’re probably in the wrong sport,” added Canavan. “If you’re not aware of what it means and what it’s about, you’re not tuned into where you’re working and where you’re playing football.
“Thursday’s the biggest game of the season and we’ve got to be right at it.”
