The game started evenly but Barnsley opened the scoring when Preston failed to clear. Jamie Cureton who has a good record at this level managed to chip Lonergan who was off his line to put the Tykes one up.
Preston enjoyed a lot of possession and should have levelled when a cross from Nicholosn found Elliott inside the six yard box unmarked. The striker only managed to tamely head towards the keeper.
Preston pressed but it was the visitors who came close to doubling their lead in the second half as Lonergan pushed a long range shot onto the bar. Irvine then brought on Mellor and Parkin up front.
They had an immediate impact with the home defence troubled by Parkin. In fact the Barnsley defence fouled Parkin twice just outside the area. The first free kick saw Wallace hit the wall but the second saw the on loan star fire into the back of the net.
Preston could have won the game late on as Mellor volleyed straight at the keeper. Preston will be happy with a point as they enter 2009 looking to find some form away from home which could push them closer to a top six finish.