Barrow had to pull out all the stops to repel Harrogate Town’s excellent challenge at a windswept Holker Street.
With a strong wind at their backs, Town took an eighth minute lead when Danny Hone failed to deal with Jonny Allan’s flick on and Will Turl ran through to beat Sean Pearson.
Town’s joy was short-lived, as within two minutes Hone made amends for his blunder when he heade in a Barrow corner.
But unbelievably , the third goal in three minutes saw Town back in front.Laurie Wilson picked up a loose ball, rode two tackles,then unleashed a thirty yard drive which flashed past Pearson.
Pearson had to be alert, to dive at Alex Meechan’s feet after he had been sent clear by Allan’s flick on.
Barrow’s pedigree began to shine through as ex York City star Adam Boyes shot over after good work by Jack Mackreth, and Paul Rutherford twice went close.
Hesitation between Jake Picton and Mark Cook saw Cook’s clearance hit James Owen, but Richard Pell’s timely tackle saved the situation.
Two minutes after half time, Town were caught on the break when Wilson’s free kick was cleared to the unmarked Boyes, who ran through unchallenged to beat Cook.
Barrow began to dominate and forced a series of fine saves from Cook, but it was no surprise when they took the lead on the hour.
Mark Cook could only parry Owens powerful cross shot and Boyes tapped in his second from close range.
The advent of Paul Heckingbottom and Lee Elam for Allan and Brayson revitalised Town and they staged a fighting finish in a vain attempt to gain a replay.
With five minutes left Craig Radcliffe’s corner caused a frantic bout of head tennis in the home goalmouth which culminated with Hone heading off the goal line.
However, it’s Barrow who go forward into Monday’s draw.
Town 1 Cook 2 Bore 3 Radcliffe 4 Bloomer 5 Pell 6 Picton (c) 7 Allan (Heckingbottom 54) 8 Wilson 9 Brayson (Elam 70) 10 Meechan 11 Turl
Unused subs 16 Darville 17 Emmett Scorers Turl 8 Wilson 11 Bookings nil
Attendance 868
