Barrow 0, Bradford Park Avenue 0

AVENUE remain a healthy eight points above the Vanarama Conference North relegation zone after an excellent draw at leaders Barrow.

The Bluebirds retained their two-point lead at the summit as nearest rivals AFC Fylde were also held to goalless draw at Gainsborough Trinity.

That meant it was a good weekend for Guiseley. Mark Bower's third-placed side were not in action as they were due to play North Ferriby United, who were sidetracked by their appearance in the FA Trophy final at Wembley.

Barrow will be cursing Avenue as they have taken just one point from the two fixtures against John Deacey's men this term.

The Horsfall side won the reverse fixture 2-1 with goals from Danny Frost and Richard Marshall – and although they were under pressure at times at Holker Street on Saturday, a determined and stoic display earned them a point.

Their assignment was tough enough already but it got worse for Deacey as kick-off time approached. Chris Haworth had been named on the team sheet but became unwell and had to be replaced in the starting line-up by Billy Priestley.

There was more disruption just five minutes in as right wing back and set-piece expert Alex Pursehouse suffered an early injury. Steve Boothman replaced him and was soon into the action.

Boothman delivered a 16th-minute free-kick that Avenue captain Simon Ainge only just failed to convert, his header narrowly clearing Barrow keeper Aaran Taylor's crossbar.

That was not the first time Avenue had threatened. In the third minute, Chib Chilaka had broken down the right flank and cut in before shooting but the effort was blocked, as was Marshall's attempt from the rebound.

A Craig King cross caused the home defence concern but Chilaka just failed with his acrobatic attempt to meet it.

Barrow had the strong breeze in their favour in the first half and they almost profited from a wind-assisted inswinging corner.

Anthony Wilson carved out an opening for the hosts by turning Qualter but he fired his shot wide. Paul Walker did likewise at the other end, before Priestley flicked a Boothman cross right at Taylor in first-half stoppage time.

Barrow had dominated possession and territorial advantage before the break, while Avenue had created the clearer openings. It was different after the interval as Karl Ledsham, Wilson, Marcus Carver and Simon Grand all had good chances to give the home side a lead.

Substitute Andy Cook also went close to adding to his 22-goal haul this season. But the visitors held firm, with Chilaka putting in a shift defending at corners and Ainge throwing his body on the line.