Barrow v Yeovil Town — Shapes in the Cumbrian Night
There is something wonderfully National League about it: a Friday night, the long road to Cumbria and Holker Street waiting beneath the lights like some distant northern outpost.
Yet this is an intriguing meeting of two teams travelling in rather different directions.
Barrow, freshly descended from the EFL, are still trying to remember exactly what sort of football team they wish to be. One point from three, six goals conceded and Adam Murray already shuffling his tactical cards — 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and variations involving three at the back. There is physicality, width and a willingness to go more directly when required, but as yet not much equilibrium.
Yeovil, conversely, suddenly look rather sure of themselves.
Against Gateshead the pitch became satisfyingly enormous. Ryan Jones held the width, Archie Davies wandered intelligently infield and McCormick appeared from midfield like an unexpected dinner guest, twice arriving in the penalty area to help himself.
That same right flank may be important tonight. Barrow want their wide players involved and can push numbers forward; if Yeovil can tempt them out, then spring Jones into the space beyond, there may be green fields to gallop into.
At the other end Innes Cameron provides the obvious warning. Barrow can make the game ugly, aerial and territorial, particularly if allowed to establish themselves around Yeovil’s box.
So perhaps the key is not to fight Barrow’s battle.
Make the pitch big. Move them sideways. Let McGavin dictate the geography and Westbrooke and McCormick inhabit the little pockets where defenders begin having uncomfortable conversations with one another.
Barrow are looking for an identity.
For the first time in a while, Yeovil appear to have found one.
And under the Cumbrian lights, that might matter rather more than the league tables suggest