The Tykes went into the game against Bradford City knowing that victory would push them ever closer to a top-six finish but their inability to deliver a killer touch left them frustrated as they were held to a goalless draw.
Now they need to match or better the results of either Swansea City and seventh-placed Nottingham Forest in order to keep their hopes of promotion alive via the play-offs.
There could be no faulting Barnsley's drive, determination and skill but their finishing again proved to be the sticking point.
Therefore, first-choice strikers have now gone nine games without finding the net - and just one win in just 11 matches is hardly promotion form.
Winger Martin Devaney looked lively in the first half and twice forced good saves from Bradford keeper Donovan Ricketts.
But, despite their pressure, Barnsley struggled to create a clear-cut opening and it was Bradford who went closest to scoring when veteran centre-back David Wetherall hit the bar with a ten-yard header and the follow-up effort, from Mark Bower, was tipped over by keeper Nick Colgan.
Bobby Petta spurned a great chance for the visitors three minutes into the second half, firing wide from eight yards while Barnsley's best opening came in the 53rd minute when Marc Richards saw his close-range shot blocked by the legs of Ricketts.
Paul Hayes did have the ball in the City net 18 minutes from time but the flag was up for offside, and then Barnsley had strong penalty appeals waved away, with the referee merely giving a free-kick on the edge of the box.