Barnsley had defeated their visitors 4-3 at Cardiff City stadium in the first leg of the clash earlier in the season but they could not replicate such on home soil as Cardiff forced them to a barren draw in the English Championship.
The scrappy game at Oakwell saw Barnsley threaten more as they enjoyed 58 percent of the ball possession. The result leaves Barnsley ahead of Cardiff as they have a point more. Cardiff is in 14th place in the Championship standings with 52 points. The Bluebirds are yet to win an away game since Valentine’s Day. In their last seven games, they have seen just one win.
From the start of the duel, Barnsley showed more prospects. Adam Hammillhad his attempt deflected and the resulting corner caused Cardiff an early scare.
Cardiff had another scare when Allan McGregor collided with Marley Watkins but the on-loan goalkeeper was able to continue. His opposite at the other end was barely disturbed as Cardiff struggled to make clear attempts at goal. Kenneth Zohore came close but sent his effort from 25 yards out over the bar.
Brian Murphy came on for McGregor during the break as the Scot was in obvious discomfort. Cardiff were on the receiving end again as defender Sol Bamba was injured while he fouled Tom Bradshaw.
“It would have been harsh if we had got beaten. We knew they were going to be sprightly and play one-touch football. It was really pleasing to keep a clean sheet. I know Murphy made a couple of saves, but overall there were some massive pluses for me,” Coach Neil Warnock said after the game.
Paul Heckingbottom was not pleased that their attempts did not yield any fruit but he was happy that the team did some creative things during the match.