Two goals in 10 minutes late in the second half from former Wanderers’ striker Jamie Proctor gave Barrow the points at Lostock, writes Pete Oliver.
The young Whites looked as though they may get something for their efforts against a Barrow side looking to continue their 100 per cent record in the Central League.
But two errors from goalkeeper Jack Dallimore allowed Proctor to help himself to a double and keep the Bluebirds’ title push on track.
The Cumbrians had knocked Wanderers out of the LFA Senior Cup with a 4-0 win at the end of January and again fielded a side with plenty of first-team experience – including a front two of Proctor and ex-Plymouth and Newport man Dom Telford and wideman David Worrall.
The Whites produced a much more competitive display and were in the hunt until the late lapses cost them the chance of a second league win of the season to climb off the foot of the table.
A bright start from Andy Taylor’s side saw Trevon Bryan (above) and David Abimbola carry a threat in attack, while winger Junior Tiensia looked as though he might unlock the door for the visitors.
On a heavy pitch, chances started to come after the break and an excellent move from Wanderers ended with a decisive pass from youth-teamer James Westwood into Gio Loureiro, who saw his effort well saved by the experienced figure of Josh Lillis.
Barrow then had their first clear sight of goal but ex-Bury and Port Vale winger Worrall was denied by Dallimore before Matt Tweedley released substitute Gez Sithole to set up a shooting chance to Bryan which was blocked at the other end.
Sithole also put an effort over the top after Worrall had done likewise for the visitors before the deadlock was broken with 15 minutes to go.
Dallimore’s mis-placed pass went straight to Proctor and the big striker accepted the gift to slot home the opening goal.
Ten minutes later there was then a near carbon-copy, although this time Bray was given the ball to pick out Proctor and the 31-year-old – whose former clubs also include Preston North End, Fleetwood, Bradford, Rotherham and Port Vale – did the rest to secure a victory Taylor felt was tough on his side.
The B Team boss said: “I said to the players before the game this would be a really good test for them, individually and as a group, because they were up against some senior pros with a few hundred league appearances.
“I told them to go and test yourself against them and see where you're at in terms of levels and, maybe with one or two exceptions, they all more than stood up to it.
“There was some great learning for them and for the back three in particular against those two forwards. That was a great experience for them, playing against senior pros who have these tricks of the trade. You have to learn from them and the only way from doing that is by being exposed to it.
“From that point of view it was a really good test and performance-wise they didn't get what they deserved. There are areas we need to improve on; our final-third quality because we got into some good situations which just fizzled out.
“I can see from the players that they are recognising and solving problems quicker. It was a good workout for us but just frustrating for the group we didn't get the result because the performance was pretty good in general.”
Wanderers B: Dallimore; Halford, Hayes-Green, Inwood; Tweedley; Westwood (Toole 80), Lewis (Sharples-Ahmed 63), Loureiro (Fleury 80) , Frimpong; Bryan, Abimbola (Sithole 63). Substitute: Irwin.
Barrow B: Lillis, Warren, Foley, Ogungbo, Worrall, Bray, White, Whitfield (Trialist HT), Tiensia, Proctor, Telford (Etaluku 57). Substitutes: Taylor, Farman.
Pictures: Ben Livingstone