TYKES STILL IN BARGAIN BASEMENT

BARNSLEY will not spend their way out of trouble next month – even though they are now owned by a billionaire.

This was Barnsley’s first home game since the takeover by a consortium led by Chien Lee and featuring baseball’s Billy Beane.

But an improved second-half showing could not prevent the struggling Tykes from recording their ninth match without a win.

Assistant boss Jamie Clapham said: “It’s an exciting period, but nothing will change. We’re not going to spend loads of money on people who are just going to come for money.

“They have to fit the right mould and we have to make the right business decisions for the football club.

“We’ll be shrewd about our business and hopefully we’ll improve on what we’ve got.”

Preston did most of the running in the first half and only the post denied Jordan Hugill (above) his 10th goal of the season.

Barnsley were indebted to lastditch tackles from Zeki Fryers and Andy Yiadom to keep out Tom Barkhuizen then Daniel Johnson.

But the Tykes went close when Gary Gardner fired over.

Gardner was involved in the big talking point of the second half when he went down in the box under a challenge from Calum Woods.

But referee Geoff Eltringham deemed that last-man Woods – who was already on a booking – won the ball cleanly.