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:
5. James Maxwell 7
Looks to be getting back to his best with some diligent defensive blocks and forward bombing runs. As encouraging a showing as he has had in recent weeks. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
6. Owen Bailey 8
Provided the assist for Olowu. Put in the most blocked shots of anyone on the pitch, in a dedicated showing that provided the platform for the win. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
7. Charlie Crew 8
Really stepped it up from what was an impressive outing against Harrogate. Punchy passes and a swagger that belies his age. A cheap early yellow the only blot on his copybook, hence his premature exit just after the hour. Photo: Tony Johnson
8. Harry Clifton 7
Booked for a cynical foul early doors, just moments after a valid claim for a penalty was turned down. A typically energetic showing as he impressed upon his return to the starting XI. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD