Another stunning first half display helped the Reds pick up a huge three points in the face of a spirited Boro fightback.
Goals from Mads Andersen and Amine Bassi in the opening 45 helped the Reds blow away their high-flying opposition, but it was a different story second half, with Boro threatening a comeback.
The Reds flew out of the blocks, much like they did in midweek, with an unchanged XI and Carlton Morris was first to test Boro 'keeper Joe Lumley who saved well down low to his left.
On eight minutes, Barnsley powered into the lead when Bassi picked out captain, Andersen with a far post cross that the Dane nodded home into the opposite corner from eight yards out.
Just eight minutes later the Reds doubled their lead, and this time it was the Moroccan who applied the finish. Morris held up the ball on the edge of the box brilliantly and Bassi tricked his way into a yard of room before calmly slotting home from 14 yards out, with his left foot into the bottom corner.
The best that Boro offered in the first half was a tame Marcus Tavernier effort from just inside the box that was no problem for Brad Collins.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 2-0 Boro
The away side were a different animal second half, and substitute Folarin Balogun cracked an effort against the inside of the post that flew away to safety.
There was a breakaway that resulted in Callum Styles testing Lumley, but it was backs to the wall for Poya Asbaghi's men by now.
Outstanding tracking back and an unbelievable sliding blocked challenge by Jordan Williams prevented the visitors hitting back, and then the third goal arrived.
Some poor defending just over halfway allowed Bassi in on goal, and despite being wrestled back by his defender, he found room for a shot that trickled into the net in front of a joyous Ponty End.
Andraž Šporar put a penalty away after Rémy Vita had been adjudged to have fouled Isaiah Jones on the left, and whilst we rode out the storm somewhat, it was still one-way traffic.
Balogun rattled the woodwork for a second time, and Collins had to be smart to turn away Tavernier's free-kick.
But deep into injury time, Liam Kitching turned the ball into his own net, for 3-2 and nerves were frayed, but after repelling the swathes of attacks, the Reds recorded a big win and moved off the bottom of the table.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 3-2 Boro
Collins, Williams, Helik, Andersen, Vita (Kitching), Styles, Gomes, Wolfe, Bassi (Brittain), Quina, Morris (Cole).
Unused: Walton, Halme, Benson, Palmer.
