ACCRINGTON Stanley are still on the hunt in their first win in their pre-season friendlies after two first half goals gave Conference side Barrow the victory.

Manager John Coleman had used a strong side to play Blackburn in a behind-closed-doors yesterday afternoon, losing 1-0.

Coleman was determined to give his whole squad a run out and started first year professionals Ross Sykes and Nathan Webb at the Furness Building Society Stadium, with almost half the Stanley team under 21.

Barrow started well and had an early chance through former league player Ross Hannah who was clean through but Elliot Parish did enough to put him off.

Barrow won a penalty in the 11th minute when Sykes fouled Jordan Williams and ex-Bradford and Grimsby frontman Hannah stroked the ball home from the spot.

It was two on 18 minutes when Hannah pulled the ball back for Williams to blast home from 18 yards for Barrow’s second of the game.

Hannah was denied Barrow’s third by the legs of Parish while Stanley started to come more into the game with Rommy Boco rifling an effort against the underside of the crossbar and out.

Boco had a strike from long range saved at the second attempt by keeper Joel Dixon while Bastien Hery fired wide and Barrow’s Moussa Diarra blasted off-target on the stroke of half-time.

Chances were limited after the break as Paul Cox’s side made a flurry of substitutions although Stanley once again hit the woodwork with Hery rifling a 20-yard free kick against the crossbar.

Coleman didn’t make any changes, giving his starting XI a 90 minute run-out, and they will play their final pre-season clash at FC Halifax on Saturday.

Stanley: Parish, Trialist, F Shaw, Boco, Goulding, Sykes, B Shaw, Hery, Hazeldine, Webb, Wall. Subs: Pearson, McConville, Beckles