TRANMERE Rovers suffered their first defeat in nine matches when they were beaten 2-1 by Barrow last night.

Two second-half goals won the game for the hosts at Furness Building Society Stadium.

Micky Mellon fielded the side that beat Chester FC 3-2 on Friday night.

Jay Harris replaced the injured Lois Maynard while James Norwood and Andy Cook replaced Andy Mangan and Cole Stockton after their goalscoring cameos.

It was an even opening to the game with very few opportunities on goal in the early stages.

Ross Hannah had a shot blocked by Michael Ihiekwe before a good move down their right concluded with Paul Turnbull shooting just wide midway through the first half.

The scoring was opened on 33 minutes with a simply brilliant goal by Andy Cook.

The ball bounced up nicely for the striker 25 yards out and he struck home with a sweet volley over Jon Flatt in the Barrow goal.

Ritchie Sutton hooked a clearance which Scott Davies had to tip over before James Norwood played in Cook on the stroke of half time but he took a split second too long and a Barrow defender got back to make a clearance.

The start of the second half was keenly contested with Davies making a smart save to deny a 25-yard effort by Matty Platt.

At the other end, Cook headed just wide while Norwood had an effort saved by Jon Flatt.

Barrow scored the equaliser 64 minutes into the game, when a free kick was swung over from the right and Davies appeared to be fouled in jumping for the ball, nothing was given and the ball fell for substitute Ihui Effiong who poked into the net.

Barrow took the lead when Jordan Williams picked the ball up and drove forward before unleashing an unstoppable effort past Davies.

Rovers pushed for a goal to get back into the game and Jay Harris and substitute Connor Jennings both fired wide in the closing stages.