Nottingham Forest 0-0 Barnsley: Reds and Tykes play out goalless draw
- Published
Lewis Grabban missed a golden chance when clean through
Barnsley's winless run stretched to five matches as they were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.
Lewis Grabban blazed a shot over when clean through and then had a goal chalked out for offside when found by Anthony Knockaert as Forest created the better first-half chances.
Cauley Woodrow's header was denied by a terrific point-blank save from home keeper Brice Samba as Barnsley responded well after the break.
And Knockaert wasted a golden chance to win it for the hosts when he turned Cyrus Christie's cross wide from just three yards.
Chris Hughton made seven changes to the Forest side that were hammered 5-1 at Swansea in the FA Cup, including a debut for Benfica loanee Filip Krovinovic.
The Croatian midfielder was at the heart of Forest's best moments, setting Knockaert away to tee up Sammy Ameobi, who dragged a shot wide.
The Tykes struggled to create chances before the break despite seeing plenty of possession, but had a big penalty shout wave away when Michał Helik was dragged down.
Barnsley were looking to rediscover their December form which had lifted them to the cusp of the play-off places, only to lose successive matches against the Championship's top three.
Their hopes of a fourth straight win over Forest were lifted after the break as Callum Brittain shot just wide, before Samba tipped Herbie Kane's volley over the bar.
Forest held out to make it just one league defeat in nine matches, but dropped a place to 21st, just three points above the relegation places, while Barnsley stay 12th, six points off the play-off spots.
Forest boss Chris Hughton told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"When the pivotal moments came along, we weren't able to capitalise on them. It wasn't a lack of effort, but it's a little bit frustrating.
"I thought he (Krovinovic) did well in what was a difficult game. It wasn't the ideal type of game for him, but still he was involved in the chances we had. I'm pleased with his contribution and looking forward to more.
"We are very hopeful to bring one or two (players) in before this deadline and we're working very hard towards that."
Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael on their first-half penalty appeal:
"I do not want to speak about all the small decisions in the game, because that can happen. But such a big, big mistake - I cannot explain what has happened. It was clear. Everyone saw the same situation. We are not stupid.
"It was a clear penalty for us. It is unacceptable, the performance of the referee. You have to do something, you have to say something.
"The penalty could have been a game-changer for us. It was a good clean sheet and we will take the point."