At the start of the season neither team was considered by outsiders to trouble the top six in the division. Both have developed reputations for spoiling games against the bigger teams and Barnsley did that to Preston on Saturday.
North End have had a decent start to the season in comparison with the last two years under Simon Grayson. It is early days but many view a home game against Barnsley as a must win if Preston are to have any realistic expectation of finishing above their usual mid-table position.
Spurr was recalled at centre back whilst injuries meant Gallagher played alongside Browne in the centre of midfield. Mavididi and Barkhuizen played out wide as Neli played two up top as Hugill played alngside Maguire.
Preston started the game well and took the lead. Maguire set up Barkhuizen down the left who managed to turn and cross. Maguire managed to nod home.
Moments later Barnsley were level. A cross from the right caused danger. Fisher tried to clear but only hit the ball onto Potts with the ball flying into the empty net.
Both sides had chances for the victory after the break. Barnsley had one cleared just ahead of the line whilst the visitors themselves had to scramble in the box.
Substitutes were made and Preston applied pressure but poor finishing meant they were unable to convert. Barnsley resorted to time wasting early in the second period but it shows how far Preston have come that the visitors had to use such tactics.
North End now face high flying Cardiff on Tuesday when they will attempt to keep pace with the top six.