Barnsley 2-2 Middlesbrough
- Published
Cameron McGeehan's goal was his first in league football since New Year's Eve last year
Barnsley midfielder Cameron McGeehan marked his home debut with a goal in their home draw with Middlesbrough.
Striker Tom Bradshaw headed home Zeki Fryers' inswinging corner to put the hosts in front, but Martin Braithwaite volleyed in on the turn to equalise.
McGeehan nodded home Brad Potts' cross for the third goal in the first nine minutes as Barnsley led at the break.
Britt Assombalonga drove home Boro's second but Harvey Barnes could have won it for the Tykes when he hit the post.
The result left Middlesbrough 11th in the Championship while Barnsley slipped a place to 19th.
Boro boss Garry Monk made four changes, including a recall to the starting line-up for Fletcher, while opposite number Paul Heckingbottom watched from the stand because of a two-match touchline ban.
The last time Barnsley supporters saw Fletcher in action he scored for them in the 2016 League One play-off final against Millwall at Wembley, but this time he was on defensive duty when he was unable to cut out Fryer's delivery as Bradshaw put the home side in front.
Braithwaite and McGeehan also found the net in a frantic start, but thereafter it was Boro who dominated possession, with Fletcher and Stewart Downing both testing Adam Davies before the keeper was beaten by Assombalonga's left-foot strike.
Barnsley raised their game as Barnes struck the woodwork with a left-foot effort and Mamadou Thiam fired wide after bursting clear, but neither side could find a winner.
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"The fact that we were in front twice means we are a bit disappointed not to win but Boro are a very good side and two lapses in concentration have cost us two goals.
"We know they have good players and they were going to have long spells of possession.
"It's a step in the right direction but we still need to improve.
"I was pleased that we still looked strong without the ball."
Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk told BBC Tees:
"We're frustrated with the result.
"It was a frantic opening from both teams but it's hard for me to be critical, especially about the first goal.
"After the first 10 or 15 minutes we had a bit more urgency but the difference today is that we haven't been clinical enough. We had good chances and we didn't take them.
"We all feel frustrated but if we continue to play as we did in the majority of the game then we'll win more than we lose."