IAN Evatt is encouraged by the progress his players are making in pre-season as they took a 1-0 victory home from Barrow.

Dapo Afolayan’s first-half strike was enough to settle a hard-fought 90 minutes on Evatt’s return to his former hunting ground of Holker Street.

League Two Barrow pushed hard and nearly snatched an equaliser towards the end when Dimitri Sea’s overhead kick was clawed away by Joel Dixon.

“It was a competitive, difficult game,” Evatt agreed. “We are having to put round pegs in square holes a little bit because we’re light on numbers.

“But overall I thought it was a good game. Both teams tried to play the right way and it was refreshing to see a Barrow team back passing and moving again, and we found it challenging at times. We found solutions, got the goal, and managed the game accordingly but it was a good workout for both sides.”

Evatt was missing some first team players including Ricardo Santos, who had a foot problem, and Matt Gilks, who is self-isolating. Xavier Amaechi has also damaged his metatarsal and is awaiting tests.

“We are not ripping up any trees but we are a slow burner and fitness levels are improving,” Evatt said.

“We have had a few missing as well which, all being well, should be back for the start of the season – baring Xavier Amaechi.

“We will keep going, work hard, we’re still not finding solutions quickly enough on the pitch and relying the coaches and manager to do it for them, but it will come.”

Ali Crawford made his first start of pre-season after a calf problem and Dennis Politic made a welcome return after 12 months out with a cruciate ligament injury.

“Ali has not trained very much but it was good to see him get some minutes back under his belt and it was great to see Dennis back in a Bolton shirt again,” Evatt added.

“The lad suffered a horrible injury last year but he has been really mentally tough and strong for a youngster, worked hard to keep his body fit, become stronger, and done his rehab properly.

“It is credit to him that he’s back playing in a competitive match again.”

Evatt also had praise for his summer signing – and former Barrow man – Dixon, for the brilliant late save to preserve the win.

“Joel is a good keeper,” he said. “He is reliable and someone I trust, which is important, but he is still developing relationships with the back four and the rest of the team. Making saves like that will earn their trust, and that is what it is all about.”