Wing-back Rhys Norrington-Davies couldn’t understand why Barrow AFC were so slow to get going in their 2-1 defeat against Boreham Wood last Saturday.

The Bluebirds were uncharacteristically sluggish in the first half against the Wood at Holker Street, with it taking the shock of falling 2-0 down after 34 minutes to shake them out of their malaise.

That was in contrast to their three previous games, in which they came flying out of the traps against National League high-flyers Wrexham, Eastleigh and Harrogate Town.

Although AFC managed to quickly pull a goal back through Jack Hindle, they couldn’t find an equaliser against their resolute visitors, who managed to pick up just their second win in 15 league games.

Norrington-Davies said: “It was a sloppy start from us and nothing that you can prepare for. We’ve come flying out of the traps in other games lately, especially at Wrexham and also against Eastleigh and the other day against Harrogate.

“It was just one of those days where we should have gained the upper hand.

“We did have a few chances in the first half, but we should have seen it out and been more resolute at the back.”

In what was a mostly disappointing afternoon, Norrington-Davies was one of the positives for Barrow, as he gave the latest of a long line of vibrant performances down the left wing.

Things could have been so different had the 19-year-old, on loan from Sheffield United, not had a second-minute chance well blocked by Boreham Wood goalkeeper George Legg, while his pace repeatedly stretched the visitors.

However, he wasn’t able to use his speed as often as the match wore on, with the Wood gradually defending deeper in protecting their lead.

Norrington-Davies said: “If does get difficult trying to break them down when they’re sat in with a back three and the wing-backs tucking in.

“We’ve just got to be extremely patient and keep circulating the ball and hopefully break them down and create an opportunity, which I feel we did.

“I thought in the first half I was able to get at their right wing-back and especially in the first 10-15 minutes of the second half, but once they’ve started sitting in and putting two men across on you, it’s extremely hard to get at them.”