Barnsley were denied a crucial win by a last-minute Derby County goal that secured a 1-1 draw at Oakwell on Tuesday night.
The Reds were set to climb out of the relegation zone thanks to Chris O'Grady's 48th-minute goal but John Brayford tapped in from close range to keep them second bottom.
It was cruel on a Barnsley who had played well in the second half with a side that was further depleted by the first half injury sustained by Bobby Hassell. The veteran defender was replaced by debutant Andrai Jones who played well and put in the cross that was flicked on by Jason Scotland for O'Grady to volley in.
As Barnsley were without the suspended duo Tom Kennedy and Stephen Dawson, Reuben Noble-Lazarus played at left-back while Jacob Mellis was in central midfield. Luke Steele made some great saves in the first half as Derby were on top but the Reds improved massively after the break.
County never really threatened in the second period until Martin Cranie sliced a routine clearance over his own bar and Brayford scored from the corner.
It was a far better result and performance than the 6-0 drubbing by Charlton on Saturday but it leaves Barnsley deep in the relegation mire with games against Nottingham Forest, Hull City and Huddersfield remaining.
Reds boss David Flitcroft: "There was hurt in the dressing room after Charlton but tonight there is only disappointment.
"We still need two wins and we have three games to get them in."
