Barrow 1 [Quigley 65]

Morecambe 2 [Wildig 24, Mellor 66]

STRUGGLING Barrow slipped to their fourth straight defeat after losing 2-1 at home to Morecambe (writes Shane McDermott).

Striker Scott Quigley’s sixth goal in ten games was in vain as battling Barrow’s disappointing run of results continued.

The Bluebirds are a point adrift of safety, but have two vital games in hand over closest relegation rivals Southend – who lost at home to Bolton.

Aaron Wildig opened the scoring before the break with Quigley levelling after the hour mark.

But barely a minute later Mellor fired promotion-chasing Morecambe to victory at Holker Street.

And the scoreline could have been worse had it not been for a string of fine saves from Joel Dixon.

Boss Jolley made a trio of changes following the tight 1-0 defeat at Salford in mid week.

Former Carlisle midfielder Jamie Devitt returned from injury to make the starting line-up whilst James Jones and Josh Kay were also brought in.

Battling Barrow had to soak up some early pressure from Derek Adams’ visitors.

Aaron Wildig clipped a ball across the face of goal as the hosts were relieved no-one could get on the end of it.

Bluebirds’ stopper Joel Dixon watched on as Cole Stockton’s free-kick went wide of the mark as the Shrimps made the early running.

Jolley’s outfit were indebted to the woodwork as Carlos Mendes Gomes’ free-kick rattled the post before Dixon made a fine save to keep out Stockton’s follow up.

But the pressure told in the 24th minute as the visitors took a deserved lead.

Nuisance Stockton prospered down the right-hand side and his delicious delivery was met at the back post as Wildig headed home.

Dixon did well to stop Stockton getting on the scoresheet himself as he rushed at the feet of the dangerous forward.

The Bluebirds’ first chance of the game fell to Luke James as he headed Dion Donohue’s corner over.

And they went close moments after the restart as Kay’s well-hit volley was smarty stopped by Kyle Letheren.

But Dixon was once again tested to keep out Stockton, before he got down well to smother Wildig’s drive.

On the hour mark Kay was frustrated as Letheren somehow tipped his volley onto the post.

Dixon kept the hosts in the game as he came out quickly to deny Gomes one-on-one after a quick Morecambe counter attack.

And Dixon’s saves proved vital as Quigley slotted home the equaliser in the 65th minute after Kay did well to get the ball in the box.

But parity didn’t last long as the visitors restored their lead just a minute later.

And this time there was nothing Dixon could do as Stockton picked up his second assist of the afternoon when Mellor smashed into the bottom corner.

Kay once again found space down the wing but James fired straight at Letheren on the turn.

The Bluebirds huffed and puffed but ultimately finished with nothing.