Ethon Archer comes off bench to hit winner for Cheltenham

Substitute Ethon Archer scored his third goal in four games to earn Cheltenham an invaluable 2-1 win at fellow Sky Bet League Two strugglers Barrow.

The Luton loanee had only been on the pitch nine minutes when he accepted Isaac Hutchinson’s pass to rifle a low right-foot shot beyond Wyll Stanway.

Until Archer’s latest strike, Neil McDonald looked set to protect his unbeaten record as Barrow’s interim manager.

Instead, the Bluebirds will end the year without a league win at Holker Street since September 20.

However, Barrow will feel they deserved at least a point from the first home game since Andy Whing’s dismissal earlier in the month.

They dominated the first half, winning 10 corners without reply and forcing keeper Joe Day to save from Whitfield and Josh Gordon.

However, six minutes from the break Cheltenham went ahead.

Jordan Thomas lofted a cross to the far post and striker Hakeeb Adelakun netted his first goal since moving from League Two rivals Salford.

Whitfield equalised two minutes after the re-start and Kane Hemmings had two headed chances before Archer’s late match clincher.