A sixth goal of the campaign for Britt Assombalonga rescued a point for Boro at Oakwell.

Three goals in a frantic opening nine minutes saw Barnsley lead 2-1, but the visitors’ top scorer levelled on the hour to take a share of the points.

Ashley Fletcher was unfortunate to turn Zeki Fryers’ in-swinging near post cross into his own net, giving Barnsley the lead after three minutes.

But his side were level just four minutes later as Barnsley failed to clear a corner which fell to Martin Braithwaite, who fired home.

Immediately down the other end, the game saw its third goal in nine minutes as Barnsley regained the lead. Brad Potts’ deflected cross was met in the middle by Cameron McGeehan who headed low past Darren Randolph.

After a frenetic start, the game calmed down with Barnsley happy to sit back. Fletcher looked lively and willing to shoot from distance, but two long-range shots either side of the halfhour mark failed to trouble Adam Davies in the Tykes’ goal.

Soon after, a loose throw from the Barnsley keeper found Fletcher who unselfishly passed through to Braithwaite, but Fryers chasing back denied him the chance to double his tally.

Nearing half-time space opened up for Grant Leadbitter to strike from 25 yards out, but his shot flew past the post and Barnsley held on to their lead going into the break.

Fletcher should have levelled the game three minutes into the second half. The ball fell to the former Manchester United striker six yards out, but his shot was blocked by the sprawling Davies who was quick to rush from his line.

Assombalonga, who had been quiet for much of the game, drew the sides level on the hour mark, placing a low shot to Davies’ left after Stewart Downing had sent him through.

Downing then forced a good save from Davies who palmed his shot from the edge of the area to safety.

In response, Harvey Barnes could have won it for the hosts but his effort rebounded off the post after the ball fell to him on the left side of the area. Boro manager Gary Monk brought Patrick Bamford on with 10 minutes to play, but the remaining minutes were played out in the midfield, both teams forced to settle for a point.