Barnsley 0-0 Brighton
- Published
Barnsley had the better of a dour encounter but could not find a cutting edge as Brighton's poor form continued.
The visitors had spurned an excellent chance just before half-time as Ashley Barnes headed off target but Barnsley had the better of the second period.
The Yorkshire side pressed hard as Jim O'Brien's drive was saved by David Gonzalez and Craig Davies's instinctive volley flashed wide.
John Stones headed over Barnsley's last chance from six yards.
Hill encouraged for next season
Barnsley, who finished fourth from bottom, gathered enough points during the first half of the campaign to stave off relegation but they have finished the season with a whimper.
Brighton's play-off hopes nosedived last month and they have mustered only one win in their last 10 games to finish nine points adrift of the top six.
Gus Poyet's side's most encouraging spell was at the end of the first half when Gary Dicker forced an impressive save from David Button, with a shot from the edge of the area, and Joe Mattock's 25-yard drive was comfortably held by the Barnsley goalkeeper.
Barnsley manager Keith Hill:
"It was a typical end of season game but I was happy with the performance and I thought we were good for a draw.
"As a manager, the job continues throughout the summer. There's no real time off.
"When you consider the calibre of the team coming up and the ones staying in the division, it's getting increasingly difficult for clubs like Barnsley in the Championship.
"They're basically creating a Premier League two and it's a shame for Barnsley because it's an honest club."
Brighton manager Gus Poyet:
"After the first 45 minutes, I thought the best thing was that there were only another 45 minutes to go.
"If you said to me at the start of the season that we would be in the top 10 at the end, I would have taken it.
"A lot of the players are playing at this level for the first time so I think we have to be very happy with a top 10 finish."