Barrow 3 Bradford Park Avenue 1

Avenue exited the UniBond League President's Cup at the first-round stage on Saturday at a very windswept and wintery Holker Street at the hands of former Football League rivals Barrow.

The home side had the game sewn up before half-time with an early opener and a two-goal salvo in as many minutes just after the half-hour.

A late strike from leading scorer Steve Oleksewycz was the visitors' only consolation.

That is what the match stats recorded, but Avenue boss Trevor Storton felt the game was lost on the coach, and the arduous journey to the north west peninsular.

"We weren't up for it. You could sense that by the atmosphere on the bus on the way up there," admitted Storton. "We're all professional in our attitude and we want to win every game. At this level of football you would be found out very quickly if that wasn't the case. But sometimes, no matter how much you try to convince yourselves, some games mean less than others.

"I honestly think it will be a different kettle of fish when we go back there in the UniBond Premier for the league game.

"I hope that is the end of the UniBond Cup now because we lost in the Challenge Cup and were put into this one. I think it is something they have to look at next season because there are already too many games."

Storton tried to rest some players and handed a debut to trialist Nick Heinemann - the versatile defender who has been released by Halifax Town but is also having trials with Cardiff City.

The worst possible scenario happened as striker Andy Hayward and reserve forward James Russell, making a rare start, both picked up injuries. They both had to come off at half-time.

"We will have to wait and see about them. It could be that Boxing Day is a bit too early for them," said Storton.

"Going 3-0 down in the first half was bad enough, when we lost our two forwards there was no way back. We were against a strong wind and without the players we needed.

"Their goals were all well struck but from our point of view they were bad ones to give away."

Barrow took the lead after just 12 minutes through a super low drive into the corner from 20 yards by Michael Oliver. They had already hit the woodwork through an Ian Arnold free-kick.

The quick-fire brace killed the contest and was sparked by another thunderbolt, this time Graham Anthony lashing a 25-yard effort into the top corner in the 36th minute.

Before Avenue had come to terms with that the Bluebirds were flying again. Gavin Knight, who had supplied the cross for the first goal, netted himself as he headed Scott Maxfield's cross in off the post.

The frame of the goal came to Avenue keeper Matt Boswell's rescue once more early in the second half when substitute Steve Ridley struck a shot against the post.

Oleksewycz grabbed his 14th of the season to ensure it was not an entirely wasted journey.

Avenue created a situation where they outnumbered the home defence three to one and the diminutive striker raced through to slot a shot past home keeper Simon Bishop from just inside the area.

Avenue: Boswell, Quinn, Heinemann, Smith, Stansfield, Crossley, Walsh, Oleksewycz, Hayward, Russell, Serrant. Subs; Helliwell, Pickles, Wright.