Elliot Ward converted a stoppage-time penalty to deny Barnsley a crucial victory that would have moved them four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Tykes took an early lead when Jamal Campbell-Ryce crossed from the left for Daniel Bogdanovic to fire home.

But in the 94th minute referee Steven Cook pointed to the spot on the advice of assistant Martin Dexter after the ball struck Rob Kozluk on the arm.

Ward, who earlier headed against the bar, lashed the home to earn a point.

Coventry manager Chris Coleman:
"It's harsh for Simon, we have all been there. It will be a tough one for him to swallow I imagine.

"He is good enough to keep Barnsley up in the league and he is big enough to take any criticism.

"There was no lack of effort tonight. We kept going and kept going and we got a point."

Barnsley manager Simon Davey:
"I thought we did enough to win and take the three points.

"We had some great chances and got our goal early and when we needed to defend we defended. It's cruel.

"We have got to make sure the result and the lateness of the penalty does not affect us. We know what we've got to do to make sure of our status."

Coventry: Westwood, Osbourne, Ward, Turner, Hall, Gunnarsson, Beuzelin (Cain 73), Doyle, Fox, Eastwood, Simpson.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Grandison, Walker, Wynter.

Booked: Simpson, Ward.

Goals: Ward 90 pen.

Barnsley: Steele, Hassell, Moore, Guedes (El Haimour 72), Kozluk, Campbell-Ryce, Colace, De Silva, Hammill, Bogdanovic (Odejayi 85), Macken.
Subs Not Used: Muller, Teymourian, Devaney.

Booked: Colace, De Silva.

Goals: Bogdanovic 9.

Att: 15,035

Ref: Steven Cook (Sheffield).

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