Burton extended their unbeaten run to five games following a cagey goalless League One draw at Barnsley.

The Brewers earned a valuable point in their pursuit of safety, while the hosts lost further ground on the play-off places as they halted a three-match losing streak.

Both sides defended strongly in a game that lacked real attacking quality.

Davis Keillor-Dunn had the first chance after a tentative opening 20 minutes from both sides, but his curled effort went narrowly wide.

The visitors could have made the breakthrough when Rumarn Burrell was one-on-one with Joe Gauci, but the forward’s attempted square pass was easily collected by the on-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper.

Barnsley then missed a guilt-edge chance before half-time as Kyran Lofthouse blazed the ball over from close range.

No one could apply the finish for Burton after Burrell and JJ McKiernan combined well with an hour played.

McKiernan was then on hand to clear from the goal line after a dangerous set-piece.

Gauci, who was making his Barnsley debut, replied with a strong save of his own to keep out Fabio Tavares as the game drew to a close.