Brentford 0-2 Barnsley: Tykes prevent Bees' return to the top of the Championship

Barnsley pulled off a stunning win to prevent Brentford returning to the Championship summit and end their 21-match unbeaten league run.

Pinnock then failed to cut out Daryl Dike's low ball across the box and Carlton Morris crashed a shot in off the post.

The Bees, who had not tasted defeat in the league since a 3-2 loss at Stoke on 24 October, struggled to create clear chances throughout, despite late pressure, and were kept scoreless for the first time in 12 matches.

• Relive Barnsley's shock win over Brentford

Brentford had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended the last time they hosted Barnsley, who pulled off an unlikely escape from relegation with a 2-1 win on the final day of last season.

The odds of a repeat looked unlikely with the Tykes on a five-match winless league run and facing a Bees side who had won eight out of their last nine, yet they were full value for their half-time lead, with Morris also forcing a decent save from Raya.

The Bees had netted 17 times in four straight league wins, but failed to muster a serious threat until Saman Ghoddos' fierce low drive forced keeper Brad Collins into a good save in first-half stoppage-time.

That was as good as it got for out-of-sorts Brentford, and it was the visitors who went closest to a third goal as Victor Adeboyejo sent a half-volley just wide.

It was a miserable afternoon for Pinnock - who spent two seasons at Barnsley before joining the Bees - and only an offside flag prevented him giving the visitors a third goal when he turned a cross into his own net.

Brentford stayed in second place, a point behind leaders Norwich, while Barnsley climbed to 12th and within seven points of the play-off places.

Reaction - Barnsley 'at their top level'

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank:

"It was inevitable that we would not go the rest of the season unbeaten, but I think we have been so consistent and so good.

"Today there was no lack of effort and they put everything out there. There was big determination and we lost a game to a team that were at their very top level.

"This is going to go to the end of the season, I have no doubt about that, so everyone speaking about promotion must know the only thing we speak about is the next game."

Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael:

"For a few weeks we've performed well but not got the result, but all the time against the top sides like Norwich and Watford we have been very close.

"This win means a lot because we said we needed to make the next step. How good you play is all very well, but in football you need a result.

"Since I have been trainer here it was the best week. We have a way to play football and today was the result of three months' work."