Barnsley fell further behind in the top two race in League One after a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Cheltenham Town.
Head coach Neill Collins made a number of changes to the side which ran out 3-2 winners at bottom club Carlisle on Tuesday.
Liam Roberts returned in goal following an injury, whilst Jamie McCart replaced captain Jordan Williams in the starting back three.
Top-scorer Devante Cole, who was dropped in midweek, remained on the bench with Collins opting for John McAtee and Sam Cosgrove up front.
Luca Connell captained the side in the absence of usual skipper Williams.
George Lloyd beat McCart in the air and found Aidan Keena who volleyed at goal from 20 yards out. Fortunately for the Reds it was just wide.
Jon Russell, who scored the third against Carlisle in midweek thought he’d opened the scoring in the fourth minute but it was ruled out for offside.
Barnsley continued on the front foot, with both McAtee, McCart and Connell having decent chances in the opening 15 minutes.
But the reds were unable to find the breakthrough in the first half, despite having numerous chances to take the lead.
Cheltenham came close through a Lewis Freestone header but found it difficult to find any momentum in the first half.
Cheltenham started the second half the stronger of the two sides, with Collins taking off Cosgrove and bringing on Cole about ten minutes in to the half.
His introduction almost had an instant impact as he played through Cadden, but his effort was saved by Southwood in goal.
The quality of play in the second half quickly began to deteriorate, but Cole could have opened the scoring with ten minutes remaining. Fellow substitute Aiden Marsh did well to find Phillips whose cross landed directly on the head of Cole six yards out. But he headed wide where it looked easier to hit the target.
The Reds continued pushing for winner in the six added minutes, but were unable to put the ball into the back of the net.
Boos rang around Oakwell at the final whistle, with the Reds remaining in 5th place and almost certainly having to settle for a place in the play offs now.
A much needed two week break for the reds now with the Portsmouth fixture postponed due to International call ups. Next up is Cambridge at Oakwell on Good Friday.
COYR
