BOBBY Thomas rescued Barnsley a point as he secured a dramatic last-gasp 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.
Michael Duff's Reds went three games unbeaten thanks to Thomas' second goal in as many games.
Star strike Colby Bishop had earlier put Pompey ahead at Fratton Park, before play-off contenders Barnsley ensured they remained three points clear of the chasing pack.
Cardiff City loanee Max Watters was awarded his first start for the club from boss Duff.
The Reds started brightly as Adam Phillips glanced a header across the face of goal early on.
Duff's visitors had an early reprieve as Bishop's effort was chalked off after being adjudged offside.
Down the other end, the Reds were frustrated by the furniture as Phillips' dipping 20-yard strike was tipped onto the woodwork by Pompey stopper Matt Macey.
And the hosts' number one was at it again as he kept out Devante Cole with his legs on the half-hour mark.
Cole should have done better towards the end of the half as he blasted over the bar with his weaker left foot.
The Reds were stunned as the hosts struck early after the restart.
A cross was only half cleared from the Reds as Marlon Pack found Bishop and he made no mistake as he pounced to pocket his 16th goal of the campaign.
Oli Shaw made his debut as he and Josh Martin replaced Watters and Phillips.
Manchester United loanee Dishon Bernard went close to a debut goal, but the visitors survived.
Jon Russell and Barry Cotter were also handed debuts as Duff chased an equaliser.
Paddy Lane came off the bench for his Pompey debut and almost made an instant impact as he fired just past the post after being fed by scorer Bishop.
Barnsley's officials were fuming when they had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build up by Josh Martin and Herbie Kane's free-kick did little to relieve the tension when he blasted off target.
But Cotter's long, long throw paid off as Thomas headed home with barely a minute left of normal time.
