Ben Turner's 60th minute goal looked have virtually assured Cardiff Premier League football next season but City's failure to put the match beyond the visitors came back to haunt them when a deflected effort in the 96th minute beat David Marshall.
With stats showing Cardiff having more than 2/3rds possession during the game and four times as many efforts on goal it was hard to swallow the last kick drama after the referee seemed to allow the game to run and run.
Cardiff only have themselves to blame. As injury time approached they sat deeper and invited Barnsley on, and when they did get chance to break down the other end Helguson couldn't beat the keeper when clean through and from the resulting corner the Bluebirds lost possession immediately which only served to spur the desperate visitors on.
Now all the sides have played 41 games. Cardiff hold a six point lead over Hull in 2nd place and a nine point lead over Watford.
The points total needed to guarantee promotion is now 7.
Next up City face Billy Davies' Nottingham Forest. The Tricky Trees are unbeaten in 10 games since Davies returned to the club and and are looking to secure a play off spot.
Cardiff are in pole position and there's not one team in the League that wouldn't want to swap places with them but it's crucial to get these points knocked off asap. Cardiff can't be promoted this weekend but victory on Saturday would mean there would be a chance next Tuesday.
Source: Cardiff City Online
Source: FOOTYMAD
