TRANMERE Rovers boss Nigel Adkins described his side's 1-0 defeat at Barrow as "very frustrating" after the Wirral outfit's run of four wins in a row came to an end in Cumbria. 

Dean Campbell’s brilliantly struck goal ten minutes from time earned the high-flying Bluebirds a first win of 2024, a first home win over Rovers since 1969 and a first victory after three winless outings.

Substitute Josh Hawkes almost hushed the celebrations but his stoppage-time, low drive hit an upright and bounced clear.

 Adkins said: “I thought we were going to get something.

“Josh hits the post and the ball is going in. We were right behind it but it hits a bobble to go outside of the post instead of into the goal.

“So, it was very frustrating. But I must say the attitude, the application, the work rate and the commitment was phenomenal.

“Both sets of players deserve a lot of praise for trying to win a game of football on an energy-sapping pitch.

“I lost Harvey Saunders with a hamstring injury after he slipped.

“There were two well organised sides and Barrow have not been beaten at home all season. So, the game was great credit to both sets of players.”

Adkins admitted the mood in the dressing room was downbeat but as always the former Southampton and Leicester boss looked for the positives. 

"We're all very disappointed that we haven't got something from the game," he said. 

"The organisation, the mindset, the resilience meant we were always in the game and we are now hard to beat but can also play in the right areas as well. 

"It's been a very busy period and we've all applied ourselves and worked so hard.

"We have a free week now and things are going on behind the scenes but from our point of view we're very happy with the squad we've got - there are conversations going on but most deals in January will be done at the last minute.

"It's frustrating but I'm very happy with the players I've got and I think we're in a strong position at this moment in time."