Like Sutton, Barrow won their first League Two game of the season last Saturday, winning 2-1 at Tranmere, but unlike U’s they were unable to progress in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, former manager Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers side winning by the only goal of the game.

Barrow’s winner on Saturday came from Kian Spence, one of a number of new signings during the summer when he joined from FC Halifax Town. Jamie Proctor, who scored a brilliant goal for Port Vale against U’s two years ago, moved from Vale Park along with David Worrall, while other signings who may be familiar to Sutton supporters are Courtney Duffus, signed from Morecambe but previously with Bromley and Yeovil, Junior Tiensia, who had a brief spell with U’s in the National League championship season, and Mazeed Ogungbo, signed from Arsenal, was on loan at Crawley last season. One regular in the Barrow squad in previous meetings, Patrick Brough, has joined Northampton.

U’s will be looking for a first ever win at Barrow, although three previous visits have ended in draws, most recently an undistinguished goalless game in March. Steve Arnold, who started in goal for Sutton on Tuesday, picked up a hip injury which is likely to prevent him being involved against one of his former clubs, but Christian N’Guessan may be fit to return to the squad after missing the first two games through injury, and the loan of D’Mani Mellor went through in time for him to be added. Sam Hart and Ryan Jackson are close to fitness but Saturday is likely to come too soon for them. 

Referee Martin Woods is in his second season as an EFL referee and last season was in charge of Sutton’s game at Grimsby. He refereed the 2022 National League play-off final.

Tickets are on sale on line, although any ordered now will need to be picked up from the ground on the day. The link is  here, and once in the site you should click on ‘buy tickets’ and then the ‘away end’ section. Prices are £20 for adults, £17 for seniors (age 65+) or age 18-21; £7 for under 18s and free for under 7s if accompanied by an over 18. On the day prices rise to £22, £18 and £8 respectively. It is necessary to register before completing your purchase, but there is no booking fee. 

Supporters not travelling can listen to a full audio commentary through our iFollow service, and overseas supporters can watch the game live. For the audio commentary in the UK, passes can be bought for £2.50, but monthly passes are available for £4.49 and season passes for £45, both excellent value. Overseas supporters can watch every game, with a match pass costing £10. Again monthly passes are available at £25 and a season pass at the early bird price of £140 until the end of August. Click here for full details and to purchase a pass.

Also, if you’re not going to Barrow but want your fix of live football, why not go along to the VBS and support our academy side in their home game against Leyton Orient. The season started with an excellent 2-1 win over Brentford last Saturday at Aberdour, Camron Grant’s late goal proving decisive after an earlier goal from a triallist. Admission on Saturday is free and kick off at 11am.

Supporters who are going to Barrow, if travelling by car, should take the M6 to junction 36, then join the A590 for the last 30 miles or so, which may have some slow sections, to Barrow. Continue towards the town centre on Park Road and then Walney Road, still the A590. After passing the fire station take the next left in to Wilkie Road, and the ground is on the right. There is no on site car parking for spectators.

By rail: Barrow station is about half a mile from the ground – turn right out of the station in to Holker Street and the ground is on the left. Leave Euston at 09.30 or 10.30, changing at Lancaster to arrive at Barrow at 13.02 or 14.22. Return at 17.19 or 18.02, the last train that will get you to London the same day, again changing at Lancaster to arrive at 21.40 or 22.55.