Barnsley battled hard to take a point in the goalless draw at Port Vale in a game that was devoid of real quality.

Vale made a promising start to their first home game since Boxing Day and Sean McClare forced a fine save from Andy Marriott early on.

But Barnsley grew in confidence as the half progressed with Rory Fallon, Gary Jones and Robbie Williams all firing shots narrowly wide.

The visitors had appeals for a penalty turned down at the end of the half when Alex Neil fell under a challenge from Sam Collins.

Substitute Ian Armstrong briefly sparked the game into life for the hosts but Barnsley went agonisingly close to snatching an unlikely victory when Kevin Donovan's volley deflected inches wide off Collins.

Port Vale: Goodlad, Burns, Collins, Brightwell, Carragher, Bridge-Wilkinson, Boyd, McClare, Byrne, McPhee, Brooker. Subs: Delaney, Armstrong, Rowland, Durnin, Paynter.

Barnsley: Marriott, Austin, Morgan, Crooks, Williams, Hayward, Gary Jones, Neil, Mulligan, Dyer, Fallon. Subs: Donovan, Lumsdon, Ghent, Griff Jones, Kay.

Referee: M Warren (W Midlands)