Barnsley 1-0 Rotherham United: Carlton Morris winner sinks struggling Millers
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Carlton Morris' seventh goal of the season was tinged with controversy
Barnsley moved closer to confirming their Championship play-off place with a narrow win to deepen Rotherham's relegation worries.
The hosts went ahead in controversial fashion when Carlton Morris headed in but caught Millers goalkeeper Viktor Johansson with his elbow in challenging for the ball, forcing the Swede off injured.
Rotherham responded well, with Tykes keeper Brad Collins denying Freddie Ladapo when clean through and Callum Brittain blocking Michael Smith's goalbound effort.
Chiedozie Ogbene drew another save from Collins, while replacement Millers keeper Jamal Blackman then denied Daryl Dike as Rotherham slumped to a fourth straight defeat.
A 13th win in 17 games all but clinched the final play-off spot, leaving Barnsley nine points clear of seventh-placed Reading who will have to beat Swansea on Sunday to retain a mathematical chance.
Rotherham's plight looks much less secure as a 12th defeat in their last 16 games left them four points from safety in 22nd, but with two games in hand on Derby in 21st.
The Tykes started quickly as Cauley Woodrow's strike forced Johansson into a fingertip save after just 50 seconds, but moments later the Swede had to be replaced by Jamal Blackman after his collision with Morris for the disputed winner.
United's direct approach created the greater threat for the rest of the half, and the momentum continued after the break as a golden chance went begging when Smith found Ladapo in acres of space with the goal gaping, but the forward failed to make contact.
Despite playing their sixth game in 15 days the Millers continued to pile on the pressure, with Smith heading inches wide before Collins made another stop late on to keep out Ogbene's header from six yards.
Rotherham boss told he 'should have won' - reaction
Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"It was a really, really poor performance today. The only thing we can say is that we got the three points.
"Congratulations to Rotherham - a big fight - they deserved more today.
"Now we wait and see what happens tomorrow."
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"There can't be many games where we've had more attempts on goal, more clear-cut chances, than today.
"It's not very often the opposition manager tells me that my team should have won, either.
"I'm hugely disappointed, obviously I can't knock the lads' effort, we had enough chances to score."