Ross Wallace's sublime second-half free-kick earned Preston a hard-fought point against their Championship rivals Barnsley at Oakwell.

The lively winger gave Tykes goalkeeper Heinz Muller no chance with a curling effort into the top corner after Anderson de Silva fouled Jon Parkin on the edge of the area.

The hosts looked comfortable prior to the goal and looked on course for their third win on the bounce after Jamie Cureton's first-half strike.

The veteran frontman showed just how dangerous he is at this level with a brilliant chip into the top corner when nothing much looked on.

But Wallace struck with 15 minutes to go to earn North End a share of the spoils and keep them in the play-off hunt.

Preston were first to show their attacking intent when, after sloppy midfield play from Barnsley, Wallace surged into the penalty area but his goal-bound shot was charged down by Stephen Foster.

The hosts struggled to get a foothold on the game early on and it was Preston who looked the most dangerous going forward with the long ball over the top a favoured ploy.

But it was Barnsley who took the lead with their first effort on goal in the 17th minute through Cureton.

The striker pounced on the loose ball inside the area before showing great improvisation to lob the ball with the outside of his foot over stranded Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

It was Cureton's second goal since joining the Reds on loan and his second in as many matches.

Preston almost hit back in the 35th minute when Barry Nicholson's whipped cross found Stephen Elliott in the area but his header was brilliantly saved by Muller.

With the game now stretched the Tykes almost doubled their lead when, following a swift counter-attack, Rob Kozluk rounded two players into the box but when faced with Lonergan his composure deserted him and he lifted the ball over the crossbar.

The visitors had a good opportunity to level matters 10 minutes after the break when Foster was adjudged to have fouled Chris Brown on the edge of the area and from the resulting free-kick Wallace shaved the outside of the post with a curling effort.

Moments later Barnsley substitute Mounir El Haimour had a great chance to test Lonergan with a volley which he wastefully sent over the bar.

As the Tykes continued to push forward De Silva produced a moment of real Brazilian magic when he sent a volley from 35 yards crashing against the crossbar with Cureton inches away from tapping home the rebound.

Preston substitute Neil Mellor had a good opening midway through the second half but from just inside the area he shot straight at Muller.

The match turned into a real end-to-end battle with both sides knowing the next goal would be critical and El Haimour was again close to grabbing that goal with a shot which curled just wide of the upright.

Just as it looked as though Barnsley were going to press home their advantage the hosts grabbed an equaliser in controversial circumstances with 15 minutes to go.

De Silva was adjudged to have conceded a foul on the edge of the area much to the dismay of the midfielder and his team-mates, and Wallace took full advantage of the chance as he curled a superb free-kick into the top corner.

Teams:

Barnsley Muller, Van Homoet, Foster, Moore, Kozluk (Colace 46), Hassell, Leon (El Haimour 55), De Silva, Campbell-Ryce, Cureton, Macken (Rigters 75).

Subs Not Used: Odejayi, Guedes.

Booked: Van Homoet, Foster, Cureton.

Goals: Cureton 16.

Preston Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Davidson, Nicholson, Chaplow, McKenna, Wallace, Elliott (Mellor 64), Brown (Parkin 64).

Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Carter, Nolan.

Booked: Jones.

Goals: Wallace 73.

Att: 13,851

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).