Manager David Dunn is expected back in the Barrow dug out for Saturday’s visit of Walsall.

But the Bluebirds boss returns to a side still searching for that elusive first victory since regaining its Football League status.

Only Antoni Sarcevic’s stoppage time equaliser denied caretaker trio Josh Lillis, Sam Hird and Craig Rutherford handing back with that historic win.

Speaking after the late heartbreaker and having heard from recovering coronavirus patient Dunn, Lillis said: “Like the rest of us, he is absolutely sick.

“It must be terribly hard for him watching it at home, not being able to be with the lads.

“But I believe he will be back soon and raring to go.

“And the players showed they care. We have to take the positives.

“That first victory will come and then they will keep rolling after that.

“We had a feeling it was going to be our night but we suffered a sucker blow at the end. It is how we deal with it now.

“The players will get the just rewards and that will kick start us.

“Bolton have not started great but they some big players like Doyle who scored loads of goals last season, Sarcevic has been in and around it, Crawford is a brilliant player. But we stood toe to toe with them.”

Barrow’s cause wasn’t helped by losing first minute goal scorer Chris Taylor at half-time and striker Scott Quigley 10 minutes into the second period.

Taylor almost made it 4-1 after a break by Dior Angus which would probably have been too big a barrier for Bolton to overcome.

“These are the fine margins and it might have taken the wind out of their sails,” admitted Lillis.

“Chris just felt unwell with a bit of a stomach bug,” he explained.

“Chris is a clever player and any team in this league would like him.

“Scott isn’t too bad but he will be assessed, and we have a great medical staff here.

Former AFC chief Ian Evatt didn’t have to run a gauntlet of hate from disgruntled Barrow fans.

However, he was unhappy at certain unconfirmed comments directed his way during the exciting contest.

“Some people have very short memories,” he said.

“Some of the shouts from the stands were poor throughout the game.

“I love Barrow AFC - I always have done; I always will do.

“The platform they gave me as a manager and what we did for each other was special.

“It will never be taken away from us. I have nothing but admiration for this place, the town and their supporters."