Barnsley managed to carve out a hard-earned point against high-flying Plymouth but the pressure remains on manager Steve Parkin.
The troubled Tykes had been hammered by their chairman John Dennis for under performing in the early weeks of their Second Division campaign. Things came to a head after a deeply disappointing derby defeat at Huddersfield, when Dennis said things must shape up - or else.
There was certainly plenty of commitment and passion from the side against Plymouth - but again missed chances proved costly.
It was Plymouth who carved out a great third minute opportunity when a deep cross saw striker Micky Evans peel off at the back post and head the ball down to midfielder Martin Phillips eight yards out but he stabbed his half volley wide of the upright.
Barnsley responded well and striker Mike Sheron should have got his seventh minute header on target from David Mulligan's cross on the run.
But three minutes later the home side did go in front following a mistake in the Argyle defence. Sheron provided the flick-on header and Bruce Dyer won a 50-50 with a less than committed keeper Romain Larrieu before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.
Barnsley then kept possession and produced some neat passing without really threatening a second goal.
Gary Jones saw his shot deflected wide and then visiting defender Graham Coughlan was inches away from heading into his own goal.
But it was Argyle who drew level in the 38th minute when an in-swinging corner wasn't cleared by Mike Flynn and Blair Sturrock - son of manager Paul - had the easiest of tasks to head in from three yards.
Barnsley squandered a glorious opportunity to get back in front just seconds after the break. Mulligan's chipped cross bounced inside the box but Sheron, totally unmarked, went for power instead of placement and sent the ball soaring over the top.
Mitch Ward then picked out Sheron 25 yards out but once again the Barnsley front man failed to find the target.
Plymouth almost snatched it nine minutes from time when Lee Hodges popped up at the far post but saw his well timed volley tipped over by home keeper Andy Marriott