Luke Molyneux looked to have an early decent shout for a penalty when Barrow stopper Paul Farman dashed out and appeared to clip him in the area - although referee Seb Stockbridge was having none of it.
It didn't deter Rovers though as it wasn't long before they were celebrating the opener - and Molyneux played a large part in it. He recycled a free-kick that Owen Bailey fed across goal and there was Joseph Olowu to turn home from a few yards out. Incredibly, the lead was doubled almost immediately from kick-off as Kyle Cameron's awful pass was pounced on by Molyneux who finished with aplomb.
Rovers looked to be holding their hosts at arms-length right until the cusp of half-time when Emile Acquah got the slightest of touches to an inswinging corner to reduce the arrears to 1-2.
The second half was far from easy on the eye, with genuine chances at a premium until Molyneux killed off any Barrow comeback with his second of the night. He played a quick one-two with Ethan Ennis from a corner before unleashing a cross-shot that looped over Farman to seal a vital win.
It moves Rovers up to second in League Two, nine points behind leaders Walsall. Here's our Rovers player ratings from Cumbria:
1. Ted Sharman-Lowe 7
A few question marks could possibly be thrown his way over command of his area for Barrow's goal from a corner just before the interval. Other than that, he mopped up bits and pieces nicely. Photo: Tony Johnson
2. Jamie Sterry 7
Put in his fair share of clearances as he helped weather the second half storm. Linked nicely with Molyneux all night. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
3. Joseph Olowu 9
A stabbed finish that a centre-forward would be proud of for the opener. Racked up double figures in terms of clearances. Getting more and more important that Rovers extend his contract. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
4. Jay McGrath 8
Was right up for the physical battle that Barrow presented. High on the tackle count and dug in during a second half that was far from pretty. Photo: Tony Johnson