Barnsley substitute Eric Tinkler scored a dramatic late leveller to deny
Watford a seventh straight win.
The South African international was on hand to fire home in the 89th minute
after Scott Jones' amazing 40-yard free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.
It was a heartbreaking end for the thousands of travelling fans, who were
singing in the Oakwell sunshine after looking on course for a definite play-off
spot through Tommy Mooney's controversial 67th minute goal.
Referee Michael Jones stirred up a Hornets nest by allowing Mooney's header to
stand after Zaire international Michel Ngonge clearly impeded Tykes' keeper Tony
Bullock when challenging for a cross.
Earlier, Ngonge had given Graham Taylor's men the lead with a neat finish at
the second attempt after Bullock had saved bravely at his feet.
But full-back Nicky Eaden levelled for the home side with a swerving angled
drive after being teed-up by Craig Hignett.
Watford still need at least another victory to secure a top-six spot, but the
point keeps them in the driving seat. They tried to take mathematics out of the
equation by throwing everything at Barnsley in the first half.
Three times before scoring they rattled the home side's woodwork, twice
through Ngonge and again with a stinging volley from Micah Hide.
However, all this came after the home side hit the woodwork in the 17th minute
through the impressive Bruce Dyer. The former Crystal palace striker found room
at the far post but his firm downward header struck the foot of Alec
Chamberlain's right hand post.
Dyer's strike partner Mike Sheron was also denied by the frame of the goal,
his vicious 18-yard drive spinning to safety off the angle of bar and post.
As the game continued to ebb and flow, Martin Bullock missed a sitter from six
yards for the home side, while Ngonge headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
Teams:
Barnsley: T. Bullock, Eaden, Jones, Richardson, Moses, Appleby,
M. Bullock, Hignett (Tinkler 64), Sheron (Parkin 77), Dyer,
Sheridan.
Subs Not Used: Blackmore.
Goals: Eaden 64, Tinkler 89.
Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson,
Ngonge (Hazan 72), Hyde, Mooney, Johnson, Wright (Smart 46).
Subs Not Used: Gibbs.
Booked: Hyde.
Goals: Ngonge 43, Mooney 67.
Att: 17,098
Ref: M Jones (Chester).
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