Barnsley were left still searching for their first win under new boss Paul Hart after letting Port Vale off the hook.
Hart has chalked up three draws in his four games in charge of the Oakwell side who have managed only one win in seventeen matches.
Hart's men had the better chances in a match hampered by a dreadful swirling wind.
As early as the second minute they went close went Daniel Nardiello cut in from the right but saw his low drive well saved.
And when the youngster, on loan from Manchester United, clipped in a cross from the right Alex Neil headed wide.
Kevin Betsy's shot went high over the top before Vale were hit by the loss of Michael Walsh, stretchered off with a serious injury.
Barnsley went close again when David Murphy's 25-yard free kick dipped over the top.
And Craig Ireland's shot was blocked before his cross was headed wide by Antony Kay.
Another sharp twist from Nardiello opened a gap but he fired wide from a tight angle.
And new boy Chris Shuker, signed in mid-week from Manchester City, had a promising debut but was denied when Vale keeper Jonathan Brain blocked his crisp shot on the turn.
Vale's best early effort came when Billy Paynter hit a shot wide and Stephen Brooker went close.
When Liam Burns produced a clever header Marlon Beresford saved well at the second attempt.
But in a tight second half Betsy blew a glorious chance to give Barnsley the win.
It came in the 67th minute when Brain saved Steve Hayward's shot. It screwed out to Betsy but he poked his effort wide of an open goal from only a yard out.
But 15 minutes from time Vale might have stolen the points when Mark Bridge-Wilkinson created a chance from nowhere with a tremendous 20-yard shot on the turn that coaxed a brilliant save from Marlon Beresford.