Goalkeeper Joel Dixon has been praised by Barrow AFC boss David Dunn for his impressive displays in the opening games of the season - and has been backed to be a key figure for the Bluebirds this season.

The 26-year-old former Sunderland academy graduate has been at Holker Street for five years now and has become a mainstay between the sticks for the Bluebirds.

Dixon has started all of the Bluebirds competitive games so far this season, and has impressed boss Dunn, who has said the stopper is continuing to grow every week.

He said: "I think Joel has been excellent so far. Against Stevenage, for example, everything about his game was impressive.

"Joel is growing every week, getting more confident and I've been really pleased with him."

Last week Dunn moved to sign extra cover for his number one stopper in the form of Scott Moloney, who previously played for Bury.

Prior to that Dunn also brought in experienced shot stopper Josh Nillis, with the former Rochdale man, who holds the goalkeeping appearance record at Spotland, acting as a back up stopper and goalkeeping coach.

There is healthy competition for the number one spot now according to the Barrow boss, and he believes the experience that Lillis has brought to the club will only help the two other young goalkeepers.

Dunn added: "Josh has been in a while now and I've been really impressed with his attitude and how he has been.

"He is a really experienced goalkeeper, and Josh is coming in to a dual role as goalkeeping coach as well, which is really important for Joel Dixon and young Scott Moloney now.

"I'm pleased with how that's gone.

"I've known about Josh. He's been around a while and I've been aware of him.

"He's not someone I've known for a great amount of time but I've been greatly impressed with everything I've seen.

"In terms of pushing Joel - yes, he's there to challenge him."

Elsewhere AFC fans are being reminded they can access live coverage of Saturday's game against Colchester United on iFollow.

Season Ticket holders will be given free access to the live streaming service whilst games remain behind closed doors, and they will receive unique codes to use this week.

For non-season ticket holders, they can still access the coverage by going to the club's website, where a match pass will cost £10, or £7 if you're watching overseas.

It comes after the Government announced fans won't be allowed back into grounds from October 1.