MJ Williams Aims for More Goals After Barrow's First Win

MJ Williams wants more. One goal, he says, is only the start.

The Barrow captain ended a near two-year wait to score last weekend, crashing in the opener in a 3-0 win over Sutton United that finally got Adam Murray up and running as Bluebirds boss. Six games into the new campaign, and after the bruises of relegation from League Two, Barrow at last had a victory to cling to.

For Williams, 30, it felt like a release.

“It was a bit of a shock really but I think I’ve been due one,” he told BBC Radio Cumbria, still sounding slightly amused at the rarity of it. He has never been a prolific midfielder, but he knows the modern game demands more than just graft and organisation.

“It is something I have always wanted to do is add goals but sometimes I don’t find myself in the right positions,” he said.

That, he believes, is changing. Murray has put heavy emphasis on set-pieces, and Williams is starting to arrive where it hurts.

“We work a lot on set-pieces, so I am finding myself in better positions now. It is a massive part of our game and I want to add more goals to my game and hopefully I can this season.”

The goal was only part of it. The full-time whistle brought something Barrow had been craving for months: a shared moment with their supporters that didn’t feel tinged with frustration or regret.

“It has been tough for the fans, I’ve never wanted it to be like that, obviously going on from last season,” Williams admitted. “They have been through some tough times, as the club has, and to have that moment with them at the end of the game was massive.”

Since Murray’s arrival in the summer, the message has been clear: rebuild the bond.

“Since the gaffer has come in, he has spoken about wanting to be all together and have that connection with the fans, and I think in some of our performances we have deserved more from games. To get that 3-0 win and have the scenes at the end was brilliant for all of us.”

One win does not fix a relegation hangover. But it does change a week.

“The feeling around the team has been brilliant this week,” Williams said. “When you are not winning it is tough but to wake up on a Sunday knowing you have won on a Saturday is a bit of a relief. Last season we didn’t have many of those feelings and it is not nice in football to be coming in when you are not winning.”

Now comes the test: can Barrow turn one good afternoon into a platform?

A long trip to Worthing and a game at Woodside Road awaits this weekend. The mileage is high, the margin for excuses non-existent.

“We all know it is a long journey but it is a massive game for us,” Williams said. “It will be a big week for us, we need to go there and put on a good performance. There are no excuses in this game, we will get down there, prepare right and go there with confidence after that first win we have had.”

He knows exactly what is required.

“This week has been brilliant for all of us but it is important now that we get back on it on Saturday and get a massive three points.”

One goal. One win. The captain wants both to become a habit.