Gary Ablett named his first County side for the friendly at old rivals Barrow.

Trainee Louis Barnes was given a start at left back and, in front of him, was former Hatters favourite Adam Griffin, a free agent following a spell at Darlington.

Two more young Hatters, Craig Roberts and Steven Murty, started as did striker Declan Edwards who has returned to EP at the end of his loan spell with Irish club Galway United.

Former County 'keeper Tim Deasy was in goal for Barrow who also included Carlos Logan, whose brother Shaleum enjoyed a successful loan spell with County in 2008.

County (first half): Fon Williams; Halls, Barnes, Thompson, Mullins, Tansey, Pilkington, Roberts, Edwards, Murty, Griffin.

The Hatters, looking resplendent in their cerise pink strip in the Cumbrian sun, were soon under pressure against the Conference outfit who had already played two friendlies.

The first chance of the game came after ten minutes when Andy Bond hit a shot from the edge of the box that Johnny Mullins did well to head clear.

Two minutes later John Murphy, who once scored a hat trick against County in his Blackpool days, planted a close-range header straight at Fon Williams.

The Hatters first real threat came eight minutes before the break. Danny Pilkington made ground down the right before finding Edwards. The Irishman made space for a shot with a neat turn but Deasy was equal to his low drive.

Greg Tansey then came close with a trademark free kick that dipped just over the bar.

The Bluebirds responded with a fierce drive from Bond that was deflected for a corner.

Gary Ablett changed ten players for the second half with only Murty keeping his place from the team that started.

The new team included two players released by the Hatters last season, former Youth Team skipper Gianluca Havern and Development Squad goalkeeper Lloyd Rigby.

Louis Barnes twin brother Sam was also given a start

County (second half): Rigby: Havern, Raynes, S Barnes, Rose; Murty, J Vincent, Turnbull, Mainwaring; Johnson, Fisher.

The Hatters best moment of the game so far came 14 minutes after the break. Matty Mainwaring cut in from the left and found Oli Johnson. The former Nostell striker used his quick feet to go past two defenders but, unfortunately, he dragged his shot just wide of the far post.

Three minutes later Rigby was called into action when he turned Mark Boyd's powerful 30-yard free kick around the post.

Rigby then made an even better save after 70 minutes to keep out Logan's angled drive. With his goalkeeper on the ground Barnes did well to head the loose ball behind for a corner.

Ablett made a change with 15 minutes remaining with Halls coming back on for Murty,

The final chance of the game fell to Paul Turnbull who shot wide from 25 yards.

Attendance: 427