Barnsley 2-2 Cardiff City: Bluebirds fight back from two down to earn draw

Kieffer Moore's equaliser prevented Cardiff matching their worst run of consecutive defeats. They lost seven in a row in 1985 as they were relegated from the Third Division

Cardiff City fought back from 2-0 down to earn a draw in Mick McCarthy's first game as Bluebirds boss.

Goals from Mads Andersen and Cauley Woodrow looked to have consigned Cardiff to a seventh successive defeat.

But Sheyi Ojo stabbed home inside the area and Kieffer Moore powered in a header to bring Cardiff level as they improved markedly after the interval.

The point means Barnsley remain 12th in the Championship, while Cardiff rise to 15th after ending their losing run.

All eyes were on McCarthy, who was in familiar surroundings for his first match as Bluebirds manager, returning to his hometown club, whom he represented 314 times as a player.

McCarthy's last match as a manager in the Championship was also against Barnsley, a 1-0 win as Ipswich boss in April 2018, while Cardiff came into this contest with an excellent recent record against the Tykes, winning the past five games in a row and seven of their past 10 away league matches at Oakwell.

The omens were also good for McCarthy in the sense that he had never lost against his former club in nine games as a manager, but Cardiff's form coming into this contest ranked among the worst in club history after six successive defeats.

The 61-year old made bold selection changes in dropping both captain Sean Morrison and Wales international Harry Wilson, with Aden Flint making his first appearance of the season after a loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael named an unchanged side from their 1-0 FA Cup win over Norwich with Bradley Collins retaining his place in goal for only his second Championship appearance of the season.

The hosts started by far the brighter side and deservedly took the lead on 20 minutes when Cardiff completely failed to deal with Dominik Frieser's cross, allowing Andersen to head home powerfully and unmarked.

Woodrow twice tested Alex Smithies from distance but the goalkeeper was equal to his efforts, with the Tykes routinely able to worry Cardiff in a first period they dominated.

Woodrow had a golden chance to double the hosts' advantage before half-time, but he blazed over after Callum Brittain's inviting cross.

Cardiff barely threatened the hosts in the first period, with Junior Hoilett heading over and Joel Bagan shooting wide from distance.

The Tykes were a constant threat from set-pieces and it was no surprise when Woodrow did eventually head home from Alex Mowatt's teasing free-kick as Barnsley began the second period confidently, seemingly destined for a routine win.

However, the visitors got one back when sub Josh Murphy's weak shot was diverted home smartly by Ojo to give Cardiff some hope and the goal galvanised the visitors.

They levelled with their next big chance as ex-Barnsley forward Moore, who scored 21 goals in 51 league appearances for the Tykes, rose highest to head home through a crowd after Joe Ralls' cross.

Barnsley pushed for a winner and Victor Adeboyejo almost went clear late on and Callum Styles fired over, but they had to settle for a first home draw under Ismael.

Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael said:

"It's clear to see that we're on the right path at the moment. We controlled the game and took the fight to them.

"If you give Cardiff a set-piece, then it's like giving away a penalty and they're very difficult to defend.

"We fought hard but lost the control of the game. Cardiff came from nowhere and we made mistakes.

"It's a mixed feeling tonight. We need to be more clinical but it's another learning process for the guys."

Cardiff boss Mick McCarthy told BBC Sport Wales:

"I'm delighted with the point today. We can all learn a little bit from a committed and determined Barnsley.

"The way we came back and responded, I'd say we fought fire with fire.

"We will only succeed together, and we showed a real willingness tonight to get a point out of the game. Hopefully the result will give them a shot of confidence.

"There are parts of the game that Barnsley dominated, but I have to give my players real credit for fighting back.

"It was such a tough game and they all had to stand up to it. We scrapped out a really good point today."