Stephen Clemence demands more from goal-shy Barrow after Accrington loss

Boss Stephen Clemence is ruing his side’s lack of firepower after Barrow fell to a 1-0 loss at Accrington – their fourth defeat in five league games.

Shaun Whalley, 37, fired home on the counter attack in the eighth minute for his third goal of the season to make it three successive wins for Stanley, who were bottom of the table at the start of October.

Barrow only troubled home goalkeeper Billy Crellin in the final stages of the game despite dominating possession.

Clemence said: “This is a very difficult one to take, results aren’t good enough at the moment and we haven’t scored enough goals in recent games.

“Today we have probably had between 10 to 15 shots and only a couple will have hit the target, it’s not enough. We have got to get better.

“I will take responsibility, I tried to mix it up and play something different, I thought we had more bodies in the box and give us more attacking impetus but it hasn’t worked.

“We were the dominant team but if you don’t score goals you don’t win football matches. In the last five league games, we have scored two goals, it’s not enough.

“We are getting into good areas but there is not enough final product and, unless that improves, it will be long hard winter. If we don’t have more punch in our attack it will be difficult.

“I never talk about referees, I think it’s a difficult job, but their goalkeeper has dropped one in the box in the first half and we are through on goal, there is a stonewall penalty which hasn’t been given and there is a red card right in front of me. I have seen them and I am correct.

“They were three poor decisions.”

Stanley boss John Doolan was delighted with a first clean sheet of the season as his side moved further away from the relegation places.

“I am very pleased, the lads were immense,” said Doolan.

“Barrow are a good side, they had a chance to go top of the league, and I said to our lads that we had to win their individual battles and I feel we did.

“The back five were awesome and everyone worked tirelessly. Defensively we were sound.

“The lads have put in such a big shift. They have realised the importance of getting over the line no matter what it takes so I am pleased to get a clean sheet and keep the run going.

“Shaun’s finish was brilliant. Shaun is a machine, he conducts himself right off the pitch and produces what he does on the pitch.

“He is so enthusiastic in everything he does and long may it continue.”