Sutton United boss Paul Doswell was booked after the U's saw two second-half goals ruled out in a 2-1 defeat at Barrow.

It was a miserable afternoon in the north-west for United who were two goals down at half-time. 

Doswell was forced to rejig his side following last week's impressive 1-0 victory at Leyton Orient with five influential players ruled out and it wasn't long before the U's had another hurdle to negotiate.

Jack Hindle put Barrow ahead in just the second minute after cutting inside and blasting past Jamie Butler.

Luke Burgess added to Sutton's woes when he swept the Bluebirds further ahead as the interval approached.

Rather than look deflated, the U's started the second period with more purpose.

Kenny Davis saw his 52nd minute effort harshly ruled out for offside following a lengthy consultation between the referee and his assistant.

To their credit, United continued to push forward and 14 minutes later Aswad Thomas had another close-range goal chalked off by the assistant with an incensed Doswell receiving a booking for his protests.

Both sides then hit the woodwork before Thomas scored a consolation for Sutton in injury time but it was two little too late.

The defeat sees Sutton slip to ninth in the Vanarama National League with 26 points from 15 games.

The U's visit Irish League side Bohemians next Saturday in the third round of the Irn-Bru Cup.