TJ Eyoma’s late strike ensured City earned a share of the spoils in Michael Skubala’s first home game in charge of the Imps.

Ahead of kick-off players and staff from the Imps and Barnsley to remember Tykes supporter Anton Roberts who sadly passed away following the fixture between both sides last season.

The Imps started brightly and were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute after Jack Burroughs was caught by Jordan Williams on his way into the box following a neat pass from Danny Mandroiu.

Mandroiu took responsibility for the spot kick and dispatched it confidently into the bottom left corner to give his side an early lead, with goalkeeper Ben Killip guessing the wrong way.

Jovon Makama then had a good opportunity to double City’s lead in the 19th minute as Alex Mitchell’s long ball forward wasn't dealt with, leaving the frontman to run in behind and strike against the legs of Killip.

Barnsley grew into the game which saw them test Lukas Jensen midway through the half as Nicky Cadden drove a fierce effort towards goal from the edge of the box which had to be beaten away by the goalie.

Neil Collins’ side started the second half on the front foot and almost drew level as Herbie Kane’s cross eventually dropped for John McAtee who saw his header cleared off the line by Mitchell.

The visitors continued to hold large spells of possession and they created another chance just after the hour mark as Kane’s looping cross came to Callum Styles whose driven effort on the angle was saved.  

The pressure paid off the Tykes who were level after 68 minutes as McAtee sent a deep cross in from the left wing which was stroked home by Barry Cotter at the back post.

Barnsley then took the lead four minutes later when Williams’ low sweeping delivery from the right made its way through to McAtee in the middle who managed to slide the ball into the bottom corner.

City rescued a point with two minutes of normal time remaining as Adam Jackson’s towering header from Mandroiu’s corner was parried away only as far as TJ Eyoma who tapped into an empty net. 

Imps: Lukas Jensen, Lasse Sorensen (Dylan Duffy 74’), TJ Eyoma, Adam Jackson ©, Alex Mitchell, Jack Burroughs, Ethan Erhahon, Ali Smith (Ted Bishop 64’), Hakeeb Adelakun (Mide Shodipo 77’), Jovon Makama (Jack Vale 64’), Danny Mandroiu. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Jaden Brown, Bola Okewoye.

Goals: Mandroiu (5’), Eyoma (88’).

Barnsley: Ben Killip, Jordan Williams ©, Mael de Gevigney, Nicky Cadden, Herbie Kane, Barry Cotter (Kacper Lopata 86’), Callum Styles (Sam Cosgrove 66’), Jamie McCart, Devante Cole, John McAtee (Adam Phillips 79’), Luca Connell (Jon Russell 86’). Subs (not used): Kieren Flavell, Fabio Jalo, Owen Dodgson.

Goals: Cotter (68’), McAtee (72’).

Attendance: 9,173 (1,877 away).

Referee: Ross Joyce.