Two goals in sixty seconds at Oakwell from Will Vaulks and Callum Paterson proved the difference for a Cardiff side who have lost just one of their last 13 games against the Tykes.

It was a first win in five for Cardiff who will hope to reignite their faltering bid for a play-off berth.

Cardiff rise to ninth, just two points off the play-offs, while Barnsley return to the foot of the Championship.

Both sides failed to create much in a first period the Bluebirds shaded.

Vaulks headed wide from Joe Ralls' corner and Albert Adomah fired an effort at goal, but Bradley Collins tipped the ball around the post.

Cauley Woodrow flashed a drive just wide for the hosts and Dion Sanderson headed over from a set-piece as neither side managed to look dominant.

However, the Bluebirds started brightly after the interval and Josh Murphy was just unable to turn home after Sean Morrison's flick-on before Junior Hoilett fired over from Ralls' sweet centre.

Cardiff looked menacing from set-pieces and Curtis Nelson headed over from another Ralls delivery before Collins was forced to use his body to deny Joe Bennett's effort.

The pressure eventually told when Vaulks reacted quickest to turn the ball home in a crowded penalty area, with Cardiff then scoring directly from the re-start to hammer home their advantage.

The goal came via a direct ball from Morrison that released Paterson, who finished coolly.

The hosts looked short on confidence and two goals in quick succession were always going to be decisive.

Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber:

"I think we showed our fans two faces in this game.

"In the first half we were okay and in the second we stopped completely our plan.

"They were ready for this fight, played many long balls and won the aerial duels.

"It was easy for Cardiff - too easy in the second half. I have no answer for that right now."

Cardiff City manager Neil Harris told BBC Sport Wales:

"The pitch was awkward to play on and the conditions made it really difficult, but we were too literal in not playing risky football.

"At half time we talked about composure and being a bit braver and we saw some real moments in the second half.

"We had to deliver and we did in the second half, the two quick goals gave them a mountain to climb.

"The last ten games is all that matters now, it is all to play for."