Spender's Barrow face a replay at Gateshead on Tuesday

Barrow defender Simon Spender admits that Gateshead's equaliser came as a shock to the Bluebirds in Tuesday's 1-1 FA Trophy draw at Holker Street.

Andy Bond's penalty gave Barrow the lead but James Curtis's header ensured that both sides will meet again at Gateshead next Tuesday (9 February).

"When we took the goal lead we thought we'd done enough," Spender told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But then Gateshead had a good spell and took their goal. They'll be happy."

Spender joined Barrow on a permanent basis from Blue Square Premier rivals Wrexham in May following an impressive loan spell toward the end of the 2008-09 season.

The former Wales under-21 international has relished the opportunity to link up with the club. And he believes that the switch to training three days a week in Salford has benefitted the squad for this campaign.

"I like the lads I'm playing with," he said. "It was a bit of a change coming up to start with but I think I've adapted well.

"The lads have made it easy. I'm enjoying playing here and hopefully it shows in my performances.

"It's much better now. We train three days a week, so it's harder and more intense. And we get to work on a lot more things. It's more positive and it's going well."

Spender has made 24 appearances for the Bluebirds this season and was part of the side that reached the FA Cup third round before losing to Premier League side Sunderland.

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