Cumbria’s the destination on Saturday as United make the long trip up north to face Barrow. A lot’s happened since we played them in November, when memories of the last minute goal conceded still linger, but we go into this game in good form, top of the table and full of confidence.
United were busy in the transfer window, moving to bring in two new faces in Declan Drysdale and Aja Alese in defence, whilst also adding options in midfield. After an unbeaten January the U’s enter February looking to carry on this run.
Dimi Mitov was injured in the draw with Bradford and is set to miss the rest of the season, this gives Callum Burton the opportunity to get some games under his belt, and will see Kai McKenzie-Lyle as backup on the bench. We expect the defence to be the same as that which featured in the win over Crawley, meaning Jubril Okedina pairs Greg Taylor in the centre, with Kyle Knoyle and Harrison Dunk on the flanks. A midweek break should have given Wes Hoolahan time to recover, and Adam May and Paul Digby will be preferred in the centre of midfield as Hiram Boateng works his way back from injury. Luke Hannant should complete the midfield, and we’d be surprised if it was anyone but Paul Mullin and Joe Ironside up front.
Expected U’s Line-Up: Burton, Knoyle, Okedina, Taylor, Dunk, Hannant, May, Digby, Hoolahan, Ironside, Mullin
On the bench, as well as McKenzie-Lyle we should also see at least one of the new faces of Drysdale and Alese, as well as Liam O’Neil, Harvey Knibbs and Leon Davies.
Who’s Their Player To Watch? Right-back Neal Eardley has only just joined the Bluebirds, but brings international experience with Wales along with a long career at Championship and League One level to the defence.
Who’s In The Dugout? Michael Jolley. With regards to his ‘interesting’ background, we’ll quote the words of Jose Mourinho: “I prefer not to speak. If I speak I am in a lot of trouble“. Football wise, Jolley previously managed Grimsby, getting the boot after an expletive-laden rant to BBC local radio, and takes over from David Dunn who didn’t even last half a season at Holker Street.
What’s Their Recent Form Like? P5, W2, D1, L2, For 5, Against 4
Any Ex-United Players? Sadly not.
Last Time Out: U’s 1-1 Barrow November 14 2020
A last minute equaliser was a real kick in the teeth for United after Big Joey Ironside had put us ahead.
From The Archive: Barrow 1-4 U’s September 29 2012
There’s not really much footage of our previous encounters with Barrow on YouTube so we’re sharing this again, and why not? Michael Gash, Tom Shaw and a brace from Andy Pugh ensuring three points for the U’s.
UTAS Moosenet Tip: 3-1 United, Mullin’s got to break his duck some time, eh?
Under The Abbey Stand 
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