Barrow’s efficient finishing and compact defending made the difference, while Grimsby were left ruing missed opportunities in January’s defeat in Cumbria. The Mariners’ League Two campaign remaining in need of an away turnaround.

Barrow secured their first win of 2025 under new manager Andy Whing with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Grimsby Town at Holker Street. The Bluebirds showed clinical edge, with goals from Robbie Gotts, Tyler Smith, and Theo Vassell sealing the three points and ending a five-match winless run for the hosts. Grimsby, meanwhile, saw their away struggles continue, slipping to a fourth straight defeat on the road despite controlling possession for long spells in the first half.​

Town were purposeful in their build-up play early on and held much of the ball, yet Barrow’s defensive organisation meant chances were few and far between in the opening 40 minutes. The deadlock was broken when Gotts, making his 150th club appearance, finished calmly after a counter-attack, capitalising on space created by Kian Spence and Leo Duru’s industry on the left flank.​

After the break, Barrow looked to extend their advantage, and Aaron Pressley nearly did just that, winning a penalty after Kian Spence was fouled. Grimsby keeper Jordan Wright produced a brilliant save, diving low to thwart Pressley’s strike and keeping the Mariners in contention. The reprieve was short-lived. Moments later, Tyler Smith latched onto a through-ball and doubled Barrow’s lead with an assured finish to mark his first goal since returning on loan.​

Grimsby pressed for a lifeline through Danny Rose and Evan Khouri, but clear openings were hard to come by with Paul Farman commanding his area well for Barrow. The result was put beyond doubt late on as Theo Vassell powered home a headers from a Ben Jackson corner, capping off an impressive display and setting the seal on Andy Whing’s maiden win.​

Barrow 3 (Gotts (40’), Smith (55’), Vassell (86’)) Grimsby Town 0
Penalty Miss: Pressley (Barrow, 52’ saved by Wright)
Barrow: Farman; Cameron, Canavan, Vassell, Jackson; Duru, Spence; Gotts, Williams, Smith (Campbell 83); Pressley (Acquah 65). Subs not used: Tiensia, Foley, Stanway, Mahoney, Newby.
Grimsby: Wright; Cass, Rodgers, McJannett, Hume (Carson 50); McEachran (Rose 62), Green, Khouri; Luker (Thompson 61), Svanthorsson (Vernam 62), Obikwu. Subs not used: Ainley, Tharme, Auton.​