Barnsley 0-0 Preston - match report

The Reds avoided a very unwelcome seventh defeat in eight games, but their 'goals for' form now reads just two in those eight matches.

The point gained lifted Barnsley three points clear of the drop zone, but these remain times for concern for the Oakwell faithful.

The Reds made a lively start to the festive fixture at Oakwell, with youngster and full debutant Stevie Mallan and Lloyd Isgrove looking particularly purposeful.

However, Paul Heckingbottom's men were saved by the woodwork in the 14th minute.

Tom Barkhuizen headed the ball smartly into the path of Jordan Hugill, and the big striker's effort on the turn struck the outside of a post and went behind for a goal-kick.

There was another scare for the Reds midway through the opening period.

Barhuizen found himself free inside the hosts' box, but a terrific last-ditch tackle from Zeki Fryers saved the day.

Preston were starting to run the show, and they went close again soon after.

This time Paul Gallagher whipped in a cross which an outstretched Hugill only just managed to miss.

Back came the Reds, and they almost notched a classically worked goal in the 35th minute.

A smart move culminated with Tom Bradshaw crossing in for Gary Gardner, but the midfielder could only lift a shot a little too high off target.

The Reds fans inside Oakwell were roaring their approval, but the opportunities dried up somewhat and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

The hosts opened the second period with fresh impetus.

Another terrific move ended with Bradshaw paving the way for Joe Williams to take a strike, but his effort was blocked by a Preston defence which had been stretched.

Yiadom and Adam Hammill were looking dangerous down both flanks, and from one Yiadom cross, Bradshaw headed harmlessly wide.

Preston replied with Hugill almost breaking through again. This time the burly front-man chested down before lifting a rather disappointing effort over the crossbar.

North End sub Josh Harrop then almost made a telling impact just after coming on as he drilled a shot just past the post.

The Reds just couldn't find that elusive opening as the final 20 minutes approached, and they were unlucky when Gardner was denied by a timely last-ditch tackle from Calum Woods just as the midfielder was shaping to shoot.

Sub Harvey Barnes was denied by a brilliant save from Chris Maxwell in the dying minutes.

Barnsley (4-3-3): Davies; Yiadom, Pinnock, Lindsay, Fryers; Gardner, Williams, Mallan; Isgrove (Barnes, 74), Bradshaw, Hammill.

Subs not used: Townsend, Thiam, Ugbo, McGeehan, MacDonald, McCarthy.

Preston (4-2-3-1): Maxwell; O'Connor, Woods (Browne, 78), Huntington, Barkhuizen; Pearson, Johnson; Horgan (Mavididi, 69), Davies, Gallagher (Harrop, 59); Hugill.

Subs not used: Rudd, Boyle, Cunningham, Welsh.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham (County Durham).

Att: 14,014

Star man: Ethan Pinnock