Barnsley extended their unbeaten run to three matches after being held to a 2-2 draw by Middlesbrough at Oakwell.
An electric start saw three goals in the opening nine minutes, with Zeki Fryers’ corner flying in off the head of former Reds loanee Ashley Fletcher after only three minutes, despite Tom Bradshaw claiming it.
Boro’ levelled almost immediately through Martin Braithwaite’s smart finish, but Cameron McGeehan restored the lead with a cute header from Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Britt Assombalonga levelled on the hour mark with a well struck effort and almost went ahead as Fabio drew a great save out of Adam Davies.
Harvey Barnes almost won it for the Reds late on, but his driven effort struck the upright with Randolph beaten and Mamadou Thiam’s shot on target was matched by a fine save to limit the Reds to a point.
The Reds began to force the issue inside the opening 60 seconds, winning a corner and keeping the pressure on the visitors to break the deadlock just past the two-minute mark.
Zeki Fryers’ swerving corner was fired into his own net by Ashley Fletcher, who was under pressure from Tom Bradshaw.
The visitors struck back within three minutes as Cyrus Christie’s throw was flicked into the path of Martin Braithwaite, who stroked home from the centre of the area.
Barnsley continued to press and retook the lead seconds later as Harvey Barnes’ looping cross from the left was met by a glancing header from Cameron McGeehan, who opened his account in the process.
The visitors began to settle into a rhythm as the half continued, fashioning a good chance through Grant Leadbitter, which he curled over the top of the crossbar.
A deep corner from Stewart Downing was met on the volley by Fabio, who could not find a way past Davies
Britt Assombalonga was next to chance his arm from range, with an effort that flew wide, with the Reds countering quickly shortly after, with Barnes’ low ball cut out with Brad Potts lurking.
Fletcher tried to make amends with a powerful effort from range, but failed to hit the target as the Reds went in ahead at the break.
HALF TIME: Barnsley 2-1 Middlesbrough
It looked for all the world like Middlesbrough would equalise three minutes after the restart as Braithwaite squared for Fletcher, only for a world class save from Davies to deny him.
The former Reds loanee came close again soon after as Christie’s low centre was flicked over the top by the striker from close range.
Boro’ drew level on the hour mark as Assombalonga escaped down the left, latched onto a through ball to fire home at the near post.
Downing almost put Garry Monk’s side ahead seconds later, striking at goal from just outside the area only for Davies to punch his attempt to safety.
Excellent covering from Zeki Fryers prevented a third as Ashley Fletcher broke down the centre, with Fabio again denied by Davies.
Adam Hammill dragged an effort inches wide as the Reds grew into the game once again and almost edged back ahead as Barnes connected sweetly from an angle, only to strike the post.
Substitute Mamadou Thiam’s blistering run could not be finished with a goal to match as Randolph made a fine save to deny him late on as the Reds were made to settle for just a point.
FULL TIME: Barnsley 2-2 Middlesbrough
Reds: Davies (GK) (c), Pearson, Jackson, Lindsay, Fryers, J. Williams, Potts, McGeehan (Bird, 86’ ), Hammill, Barnes (Hedges, 86’ ), Bradshaw.
Subs: Townsend (GK), Moncur, Yiadom, Ugbo.
Boro: Randolph (GK), Christie, Ayala, Gibson, Fabio (Friend, 74’ ), Downing (Bamford, 83’ ), Leadbitter (c), Clayton, Braithwaite, Fletcher, Assombalonga.
Subs: Konstantopoulos (GK), Howson, Fry, Baker, Forshaw.
Att: 17,163