This was a game the Reds could and should have won.
A bag full of chances missed in the first half with the main culprit Daniel Nardiello and two defensive mistakes handed Hull 3 points in their quest for the title.
All heads must surely turn to next season now as the play-offs are now a big ask. 8 points behind with just 15 to play for is surely asking too much.
The Reds had the first chance early on when Chopra and Nardiello both had digs at an open goal but the Hull defenders flung themselves in front of the ball each time.
Those misses were paid for after just 4 minutes. Leon Cort headed towards goal and Scott Flinders contrived to palm the ball into his own net.
Hull though hardly threatened again as The Reds threw themselves into the attack Nardiello blazed over when in the clear and there seemed to be an invisible wall in front of the Hull goal.
It was more of the same in the second half with Barnsley throwing themselves into the attack but also leaving themselves vulnerable at the back where Tom Williams was quite simply atrocious.
The Reds though brought themselves level after 64minutes in front of what was an extremely vocal and packed away end.
Jacob Burns corner was headed towards goal where Nardiello finally redeemed himself and headed home. Cue massed celebrations and chants of "Easy Easy Easy".
It lasted 5 minutes as Kay and Hassell stood still and let Craig Fagan fire past Flinders.
Paul Reid missed a golden chance in injury time and Tom Williams was stretched off.
Barnsley did give 110% today but tried too many long balls which were meat and drink to the Hull defense. Golden chances missed once again cost us and the referee booked everyone that moved in a red shirt.
We must look towards next season now although our two best performers Chopra and Shuker could be plying their trade across at Blunt Lane.
With the youngsters on show though the future certainly looks promising.
The futures bright the futures Red.
Player Ratings:
Scott Flinders: Palmed in Hull's opener but made a great stop second half. To be fair didn’t have much to do. 7
Dale Tonge: Had probably his best Barnsley game was committed and didn’t give much away. Booked. Subbed. 7
Bobby Hassell: Again tremendous. Winning headers and mopping up for Kay. Booked. 8
Antony Kay: Is a shadow of the player he was last season. Again looked error prone and let Fagan escape for Hull's second. Booked. 6
Tom Williams: Absolutely atrocious. Failed to get tight to his man and he was frequently beat down the left flank. Hull exploited it at every opportunity. Seemed to get a serious injury though. Subbed. 4
Chris Shuker: was lively and caused problems for Hull down the right. He had to deal with too many long balls though. 7
Jacob Burns: Again gave his all and tried to hold the midfield together. Booked. 7
Stephen McPhail. Not as effective as in past 2 games and was overshadowed by Barmby. His passing was still a delight though. 6.5
Simon Johnson. Got the start he deserved and his runs caused problems. Would certainly be a good player to sign permanently. Subbed. 7
Michael Chopra. Again looked class and tried to probe openings in the Hull defense but was again frustrated by high balls. He will be missed next season. Booked 7
Daniel Nardiello. Missed a host of chances in the first half that would have seen the Reds home and dry. Was well placed to head the equalizer though and managed to complete 90minutes. 7
Subs: Paul Reid (for Tonge 73) brought on in midfield and wasted a great chance in injury time. 6
Tom Baker (for Johnson 82) Looked good for the reserves Wednesday but didn’t see much of the ball in the 8minutes he was on. 6
Robbie Williams (for Tom Williams 89) Who knows why Tom started in place of Robbie and he finally replaced him when he was stretched off with what looked like a leg injury in the last minute. 6
Man Of The Match. Bobby Hassell: just ahead of Shuker and Chopra. Again excelled at the back.