Barrow defender Simon Spender admitted Gateshead's equalising goal came as a shock to the Bluebirds in Tuesday's FA Trophy draw at Holker Street.Andy Bond's penalty gave Barrow the lead but James Curtis' header ensured both sides would meet again at Gateshead on 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.
And the former Wales under-21 international has relished the opportunity to link up with the club, and believes the switch to three-days a week training in Salford has benefitted the squad for this campaign.
"I like the lads I'm playing with, it was a bit of a change coming up to start with but I think I've adapted well," he said.
"I think the lads have made it easy and 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.
Source: BBC Sport
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