United had to settle for a point at Holker Street, when all three looked possible until the closing stages.
United started well and a composed spell of passing resulted in Gray receiving the ball in the penalty box and finding the far corner in the 5th minute.
Gary Owers, in his first game in charge, was denied the use of Ryan Higgins for the game after he failed to finish the warm-up. Andrew Haworth joined the bench and James Gray came into the starting eleven. George Dowling was replaced in the 17th minute after injury ended his participation early.
United started the game in a 4-1-2-3 formation. New loan signing Callum Evans played just in front of the back four. George Dowling and Luke Young played just in front of him, with Reid and Gray either side of Jon-Paul Pittman.
United were the superior side in the first half. They generally had options on the ball, finding space and time to control the game without creating many chances.
Barrow did build a head of steam towards the break. United had to defend balls into their box, but generally speaking they dealt with things without much drama.
Vincent Dorel was fairly busy throughout the whole game. However, the work he had wasn’t too stretching until the final moments. He wasn’t forced into a serious save before Harrison struck.
Josh Gowling and Sean McGinty dealt with the threats of Byron Harrison and Adi Yussuf well. Barrow had injuries to deal with themselves. Both Yussuf and Jack Barthram left the pitch early.
Despite themselves being less of a threat in the second half, United kept Barrow at arms length. They displayed a level of concentration that has been missing so far this season. That was until added on time in the second half.
Jamie Reid nearly scored a second for United towards the end of the match. He found time and space and tried to curl the ball into the far corner after coming in from the left flank. Moore was able to tip the ball wide to keep Barrow within touching distance.
United looked likely to deal with another long ball by Barrow, but they failed to deal with it and Harrison was left with simple finish.
It was hard on United, but the 49 United fans that supported the team will have seen enough to hope that better results aren’t far away.
United: 30 Vincent Dorel (GK), 2 Michee Efete, 5 Sean McGinty, 6 Josh Gowling (c), 8 Luke Young, 9 Jon-Paul Pittman (27 Myrie-Williams 46′), 12 Callum Williams, 14 Myles Anderson, 17 James Gray, 19 Jamie Reid, 24 George Dowling (10 Keating 17′) Subs Not Used: 16 Rory Fallon, 20 Neal Osborn, 22 Andy Haworth,
Booked: Myrie-Williams
Barrow: Moore, Barthram (Bignot), Jones, Dunne, Diarra, Thompson, Bauress, Hall (c), Gomis (White), Yussuf (Panayiotou), Harrison Subs Not Used: Dixon, Fitzpatrick,
Booked: Diarra
Referee: Paul Marsden
Attendance: 1,190 (49 Away)