Darius Henderson's late penalty spared Sheffield United the ignominy of five straight Coca-Cola Championship defeats as an action-packed South Yorkshire derby ended 2-2 at Oakwell.

Henderson kept his cool to convert his second spot kick of the match in the 81st minute to drag Kevin Blackwell's injury-hit Blades back from the brink of another damaging reverse at the hands of Barnsley.

Daniel Bogdanovic appeared to have sent the Tykes on their way to a fifth win out of seven league matches when he headed home at the far post in the 74th minute, but Henderson spared Blackwell further embarrassment. Barnsley fully deserved to edge ahead in the 53rd minute through Anderson De Silva's thunderbolt finish before Henderson levelled with his first penalty on the hour mark.

Matt Kilgallon was superbly denied Bogdanovic with an early block following Anderson De Silva's sweeping pass. The Brazilian then headed towards the bottom corner, only for United goalkeeper Ian Bennett to save brilliantly and a busy opening saw visiting forward Ched Evans thump a 20-yard drive just wide.

Soon after Bennett dived at full stretch to keep out Bogdanovic's volley before Lancashire referee Lee Mason had stern words for Jon Macken and Andrew Davies after the latter pair clashed in the 21st minute.

Barnsley defender Ryan Shotton was booked after his late challenge left Kilgallon, who was eventually withdrawn, writhing in agony as half-time approached.

Bennett failed to show for United after the half-time break, replaced by Mark Bunn, who had little to do before being beaten by Anderson's angled rocket after the Blades had failed to clear a 53rd-minute corner.

Blades winger Keith Treacey then fired in a low shot against the post before the Blades were handed a way back. Tykes goalkeeper Luke Steele was adjudged to have hauled down Evans on the six-yard box and Henderson slammed home the subsequent penalty.

Barnsley restored their lead in the 74th minute. Macken's driven cross from the right was met at the far post by Bogdanovic, who stooped to head home at the far post.

But referee Mason awarded the visitors their second penalty when Adam Hammill upended Kyle Walker in the area and Henderson slotted home his seventh goal of the season.