Carlton Morris’ controversial early goal gave Barnsley a 1-0 win over Rotherham which virtually sealed their place in the play-offs while putting a further dent in their South Yorkshire rivals’ survival hopes.

Barnsley now need just a point from their remaining two games to be certain of a top-six spot while Rotherham, who spurned a host of chances, are four points adrift of safety following their fourth straight defeat.

The hosts got off to a flying start with Cauley Woodrow’s downward header turned over by Viktor Johansson inside the opening minute.

Morris scored from the resulting corner, with the goal allowed to stand despite the striker appearing to impede the keeper as he jumped to connect with the ball.

With the Rotherham players still protesting about the incident, play was held up as Johansson received lengthy treatment before being helped off the pitch and replaced by Jamal Blackman.

Chiedozie Ogbene fired a long-range effort straight at Brad Collins and the keeper was forced to race out of his area to clear when Freddie Ladapo threatened as Rotherham looked for a response.

There was a great chance for the visitors when Ladapo found Michael Smith in a good position inside the area, but he delayed his shot, allowing Callum Brittain to close him down and make a vital block.

Rotherham skipper Richard Wood then saw his deflected effort comfortably held by Collins.

In the closing stages of the half, Ladapo lost his footing as he shaped up to shoot and his effort was smothered by Collins.

Barnsley head coach Valerien Ismael made a change at the start of the second half with Jordan Williams replacing Callum Styles.

Ogbene posed a threat soon after the re-start when he found himself in space on the right-hand side of the area, but Collins came out to narrow the angle and turned the ball wide at his near post.

Ladapo wasted a great opening when Smith found him in space inside the area with the goal at his mercy, but he failed to make contact with the ball, much to Barnsley’s relief.

Rotherham boss Paul Warne made a change in attack before the hour mark with George Hirst coming on in place of Ladapo.

Daryl Dike had a chance to double Barnsley’s lead, but Wood came to his side’s rescue, turning the ball wide.

At the other end, another chance for Rotherham went begging when Smith headed wide from Wes Harding’s pinpoint cross.

Ogbene also had a glorious opportunity to level in the 88th minute, putting his close-range effort straight at Collins.

Hirst had a shot deflected wide in stoppage time with many of the Rotherham players sinking to their knees when the final whistle blew.