The Cumbrian No1 played a key part in the 1-0 victory at Holker Street.

And Breeze could not hide his delight at being able to play his part in rewarding United’s travelling fans in south Cumbria – some of whom paid tribute to the 21-year-old with a new banner.

He posed with his Sky Sports man of the match award in front of the ‘XL Breeze’ flag in the style of that classic Cumbrian delicacy: a bag of XL Cheese crisps.

Asked what the club meant to him, the keeper said: “A hell of a lot.

“If I wasn’t here [playing], I’d be in there [the away end].

“It’s good to win this game and I enjoyed playing in it. We’ll take a lot of confidence from this, and just the fact we can grind results out and not concede.”

Mark Hughes congratulates Gabe Breeze at full-time at Barrow (Image: Richard Parkes)

Breeze was also saluted by captain Sam Lavelle, who told Sky that the keeper from Penrith deserved the plaudits after a third straight clean sheet.

“He was quality again,” said Lavelle. “On a bobbly pitch he held some of them [shots] unbelievably.

“He’s been unbelievable”

Sam Lavelle with high praise for Gabriel Breeze 🙌 pic.twitter.com/3gb1DX3Hr9

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 27, 2025

“He’s been brilliant this season. His breakthrough season, he’s kept three clean sheets in a row and he deserves it.”

Skipper Lavelle said United showed good fighting spirit at Barrow and must now build on their victory.

“Tonight was about scrapping first and then playing. We’ve got quality, but sometimes we’ve missed that fight this season,” said the centre-back.

“It’s about belief. We’ve created chances for weeks and not got what we deserved, but hopefully now that settles everyone down.

“On paper our squad’s one of the best in the league but for whatever reason we’re near the bottom.

“We need to kick on now.”

Lavelle also saluted the vocal travelling support, agreeing with Sky’s interviewer that they are the best in the division. He added: “The fans have been unbelievable – they’ve sold out so many away days and tonight they’ve been unbelievable.

“For League Two, the fourth tier of English football, it’s unbelievable.”