Speaking after the loss, Luton boss Nathan Jones slammed the match officials for the number offsides given against his team, as Barnsley relentlessly utilised their offside trap. He claimed: “It was going to happen today and I’ve been into the officials for the last 15 minutes, because it’s a tactic that Barnsley do.
“Barnsley kick as long as they can and they squeeze up to the half way line, so to get in, you have to have one, a good ball, two, a well-timed run, and you have to have the officials on the ball.
“Now there’s been four where we’ve been in today, that weren’t offside, so that’s disappointing for us, as then it could have been different.
The result leaves the Hatters sitting in 13th place with seven matches left to play this season, and they still have every chance of securing a top-half finish in what has been a solid season for Jones' side.
Next up, Luton travel to take on bottom of the table Wycombe Wanderers, who have won their last two matches on the bounce.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Luton Town and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the action to this weekend's action continues:
“Now there’s been four where we’ve been in today, that weren’t offside, so that’s disappointing for us, as then it could have been different.
5. Rovers loan star plots Liverpool breakthrough
Blackburn Rovers loan star Harvey Elliott has revealed he's aiming to break into the Liverpool side next season by impressing in pre-season. He's scored five goals and provided ten assists for Tony Mowbray's side so far this season. (CBS Sports) Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Hughton tight-lipped on Garner's future
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has responded coyly to suggestions that Manchester United's James Garner could return to the club on loan again next season. He claimed he was "delighted" with his efforts this year. (Nottingham Post) Photo: Alex Livesey
7. Rams on brink of takeover
Derby County's long-awaited takeover looks to be on the brink of going through, following the news that owner Mel Morris has agreed to sell the club to No Limits Sports Limited. The sale must now be cleared by the EFL's Owners and Directors Test. (BBC Sport) Photo: Alex Pantling
8. Boro land two England matches
Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium has been chosen as the venue for England's Euro 2020 warm-up matches against Romania and Austria in June. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate managed Boro for over 150 games back in the '00s. (Club website) Photo: George Wood