Debutante Andy Parkinson had a great game after signing on a free transfer following his release from Cambridge United.
It took the winger just six minutes to find his feet, and the cross which Peter Winn nodded home to give Gateshead the early lead.
Barrow, contriversally, had a goal ruled out after the referee pulled the play back for a free-kick, claiming he had already given the free-kick before the shot went in.
Barrow did find the equaliser eventually after much pressure, Jason Walker netting his 14th goal of the season.
Gateshead were on the backfoot as half time approached but a 25-yard scorcher by Phil Turnbull restored their lead a few minutes before the break. Parkinson again was the provider.
The second half saw Gateshead under seige for most of match, but shots by Brian Wake and substitute Graeme Armstrong could have wrapped up the points.
An astonishing six minutes was added by the referee to try and give his side Barrow a chance to equalise, it didn't come so he reluctantly ended the game.