Barrow boss Clemence stands by keeper decision

Barrow have taken 10 points from their first five games under Stephen Clemence

Barrow head coach Stephen Clemence does not regret the decision not to include a goalkeeper on the substitutes' bench for Saturday's draw with Swindon Town.

Regular number one Paul Farman was sent off for a handball outside the penalty area in the first half and Irish defender Rory Feely was sent on as a makeshift keeper.

He was eventually beaten in the 98th minute when the visitors snatched an equaliser.

Clemence, son of the late England goalkeeping great Ray Clemence, told BBC Radio Cumbria: "If you look at how our substitutes have performed in the majority of our league and cup games, they have always had an influence over the end of the game.

"I would rather take that chance and have those options to help us and try and win it."

Danny Butterworth's injury-time strike actually cost the Bluebirds top spot in League Two, as they slipped to third.

Barrow only had six outfield players on the bench for Swindon's visit, but Clemence insisted the possibility of needing a spare keeper does not outweigh the importance of an extra attacking option.

"I have made the call from a good place, to try to win football matches," he said.

"There weren't many times last year when a substitute goalkeeper came on in the whole season in the whole of League Two.

"That is a lot of football games where your substitute goalkeeper is not involved."