Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt singled out two moments of ‘absolute brilliance’ from midfielder Kemy Agustien, after he scored the first goal and set up the second in the 2-0 victory at Braintree Town.

Agustien, who was playing in his fourth game after signing until January last month, opened his account for the Bluebirds with a superb free kick after nine minutes at Cressing Road.

It wasn’t exactly the start of a comfortable afternoon, however, as AFC found themselves under the cosh for large periods before eventually doubling their lead with just over an hour gone.

It came from a long pass from Austien, with the Curacao international’s vision leading to Tyler Smith rounding the Braintree ‘keeper to score and finally give Barrow some added security in Essex.

Having been just three points clear of the drop zone last Saturday morning, Evatt’s side have moved into the top half of the National League after picking up seven points from the nine available.

Evatt said: “I thought we could have been better, in terms of in possession and in the first half I don’t think we quite got started.

“I must say [it was] two moments of absolute brilliance from Kemy – the free kick was outstanding and the pass for the second goal was top draw and that’s why he’s at the club.

“The second half, we were a lot better, we defended much better on the front foot.

“Credit to Braintree because they put us under the cosh at times, but we stood up to it like men, which is what I’ve been after all season and all of a sudden, what a difference a week makes; three clean sheets.

“We look like a strong, hard-to-best, physical unit with glimpses and moments of quality and that’s what we want.

“We’ll build, as confidence returns, back to our possession-based football, but for now the way they’re standing up to be counted and the desire to win football matches is outstanding and I’m really pleased with the players.”