Sanchez Watt's strike cancelled out Sam Winnall's goal to see Barnsley and Colchester United go into half time with the score at 1-1 in their League One clash.
Winnall gave Barnsley the perfect start to the match when he drilled the ball into the far corner from a tight angle for his ninth goal of the season.
Colchester equalised through Watt, who scrambled the ball home after a ball into the box fell kindly for him.
It was an exciting opening and Peter Ramage looked to have continued the drama after heading into the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Conor Hourihane then fired over for Barnsley before Elliott Hewitt dragged a shot wide for the visitors.
