Webb hails Jacobs as patience pays off

By Tony Flint

BARROW 0

Stanway 6, Williams 6, Canavan 6, Cameron 6 (Kouyate 85, 6), Jackson 7, Mahoney 6 (Foley 64, 6), Campbell 6, Gotts 7 (Fletcher 85, 6), Whitfield 6 (Newby 74, 6), Smith 6, Pressley 6 (Acquah 74, 6). Sub not used: Farman

CHESTERFIELD 1

Jacobs 78

Boot 7, Mandeville 6, Palmer 8, Grimes 6, Gordon 6, Naylor 6 (Jacobs 69, 7), Metcalfe 7, Banks 7 (Fleck 90, 6), Dobra 6 (Duffy 70, 6), Colclough 6 (Olakigbe 70, 6), Pepple 6 (Grigg 70, 6). Subs not used: Thompson, Madden

SUPERSUB Michael Jacobs celebrated his third appearance of 2025 with the winner to keep alive Chesterfield’s play-off hopes.

His first goal since February 2024 after 78 minutes was reward for his professionalism, according to assistant boss Danny Webb.

Jacobs had been on the pitch for only eight minutes when his shot deflected off Ben Jackson for his first goal to secure his side’s fourth win in five games and maintain hopes of a late push for the play-offs.

“He has been very patient and trained ever so professionally, like they all have,” said Webb, boss Paul Cook’s right-hand man.

“The gaffer has said there is a part to play for those who aren’t always involved.

“I am sure that will give Michael a big sense of satisfaction.”

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.

Jacobs was introduced as one of four substitutions made 20 minutes from time. Helped by Liam Mandeville’s industry and an assist from ex-Barrow favourite, Ollie Banks, he fired home via a big deflection off Ben Jackson. Cook’s side were second best in a first half in which the Cumbrians squandered the benefits of a strong wind and series of well placed set pieces.

The Cumbrians’ best chance of the game came after only five minutes but striker Aaron Pressley, due to a poor first touch, was denied by keeper Ryan Boot.

Chesterfield improved in the second period, especially after the four-way substitution.

And that helped to earn the Spireites a league double over

Bluebirds boss Andy Whing’s side.

Whing said: “There was nothing in the game.

If it had been 0-0both managers would have taken that.

“We could have gone 1-0up in the first half. We surely had 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 I am 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.”