Barnsley 1 Watford 1: Oakwell frustration continues as dominant Reds fail to capitalise

The Reds dominated for long periods, hitting a post after just 55 seconds through David Perkins and that set the tone for the afternoon.

The ever-busy Jacob Butterfield, captaining Barnsley for the first time, also wasted a gilt-edged opportunity before Marvin Sordell, completely against the run of play, was presented with an easy tap-in to hand the Hornets a half-time advantage.

Keith Hill’s side continued to boss matters after the break and finally drew level in the 57th minute when Andy Gray headed home from close range.

Barnsley had been forced into two changes after striker Danny Hynes sustained a hamstring injury in the pre-match warm-up, on-loan Middlesbrough winger Cameron Park coming in for his Tykes debut, with Jay McEveley the other new face.

Hill said: “I am pleased with the performance, tinged with disappointment that we didn’t make hay while the sun shone.

“We had a lapse in concentration and conceded the goal. But I am encouraged by the way we are playing with the ball.

“I think that I am starting to make an impression and stamp my identity on the way I want to play football. I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s great education for me, I know what I want and I am encouraged by the last two performances. But I am not here to make friends, I am here to do my business and make a success of my time at Barnsley. “

He was pleased with the Barnsley fans on a frustrating day. “The result could have gone against us and the fans could have gone against us but I am pleased with the way they stayed with us. We keep putting in the performances but we need a win.

“I am really pleased for Jacob Butterfield he stood out. He didn’t let me down as captain because I trusted him. I trust everybody until they let me down.”

Delighted Watford manager Sean Dyche was left to ponder a hard-working but uninspired point.

“I didn’t think that we got out of the box today and we weren’t on the front foot,” he said. “What we did do was that we showed some terrific defensive qualities. It was a well-earned point.”

Barnsley: Steele, Hassell, Foster, McNulty, McEveley, O’Brien, Drinkwater (Doyle 83), Butterfield, Perkins, Gray, Park (Vaz Te 76). Unused substitutes: Preece, Wiseman, Taylor.

Watford: Loach, Doyley, Taylor, Mariappa, Dickinson, Yeates (Deeney 64), Eustace, Hogg, Forsyth, Sordell (Iwelumo 75), Weimann (Garner 75). Unused substitutes: Gilmartin, Mirfin.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Man of the match: Jacob Butterfield.