Chesterfield assistant boss Danny Webb felt Michael Jacobs’ first goal since February of last year was just reward for his professionalism.
The substitute marked just his third appearance of 2025 with the Spireites’ only goal in the 78th minute as they won 1-0 at Barrow to keep alive their Sky Bet League Two play-off hopes.
“He has been very patient and trained ever so professionally, like they all have,” said Webb.
“The gaffer (Paul Cook) has just said there is a part to play for those who aren’t involved.
“There are so many games when it feels like that isn’t going to happen. I have been there and you can’t join in the celebrations as much.
“When you do get your time, whether it’s after the career he has had, playing in the Championship, to playing at Barrow, scoring the winning goal when he hasn’t been on the bench for months on end, I am sure that will give Michael a big sense of satisfaction.”
Jacobs was introduced as one of four substitutes 20 minutes from time. Helped by Liam Mandeville’s industry and an assist from former Barrow favourite Ollie Banks, he fired home via a big deflection off Ben Jackson.
Chesterfield’s win was their first in the Football League at Holker Street for 60 years and left them nine points off the play-offs.
In truth, it was a low-grade encounter between two sides in good form. Barrow wasted their best chance after just five minutes as Aaron Pressley’s poor first touch denied him chance to make more of a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ryan Boot.
Boot also saved from Tyler Smith in a second half where the Cumbrians struggled against their opponents and strong wind.
“I don’t think the wind getting stronger helped them,” said Webb. “They couldn’t get out.
“If we had been defending that goal in the second half you would have taken a point all day long.
“But when you have that wind you try and turn the screw. There was a bit of luck (with the goal) but if you don’t shoot you don’t score.”
Bluebirds boss Andy Whing said: “There was nothing in the game. If it had been 0-0 both managers would have taken that.
“We could have gone 1-0 up in the first half; we have to score while they only had one shot on target in the whole game.
“We were bright in the first half and I thought there were spells where we were excellent.
“In the second, it was blowing a gale and we couldn’t really get out. So disappointed we have lost a game we probably shouldn’t have.
“I don’t think either team did enough to win it. They lacked a bit of quality as well but ultimately we have come up short.”
