Leo Duru and Aaron Pressley opened their accounts for Barrow as the Cumbrians eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 League Two victory over fellow strugglers Accrington.

Defender Duru, on loan from Blackburn, stole in to convert Pressley’s header to give Andy Whing’s side a 14th-minute lead.

Barrow dominated the opening half but could not further press home their superiority.

Stanley boss John Doolan introduced four substitutes at half-time and the changes quickly made a difference.

The contest turned on a superb save from Paul Farman 20 minutes from time. Substitute Charlie Brown’s close-range shot looked destined for the back of the net but the Bluebirds’ keeper tipped away the effort for a corner.

Eight minutes later Pressley, on loan from Stevenage, rose in front of keeper Billy Crellin to head in Ben Whitfield’s teasing cross.

Crellin denied Sam Foley a third goal but Barrow’s second win in five days was already guaranteed, leaving them 14 point clear of the bottom two. Fourth bottom Stanley sit seven points above the drop zone.