A splendid performance from Neill Collins' side under the Oakwell lights saw off a spirited Shrewsbury tonight.
First half goals from Herbie Kane and Callum Styles were backed up by a Devante Cole strike in the second period as Barnsley picked up three points.
Both sides looked to be cancelling each other out in what was a scrappy opening 15 minutes, with the wet conditions playing a part.
But when Carl Winchester blocked Barry Cotter's venomous shot inside the box with his arm, referee, Stuart Mather pointed to the spot, giving the Reds an Oakwell penalty that had been a long time coming!
Up stepped Kane from 12 yards and he sent Marko Marosi the wrong way and Collins' men forged ahead.
The lead was doubled before half time when Cole surged down the right flank before sliding an inch-perfect pass into the arriving Styles who had the simplest of tasks, two yards out.
HALF TIME: Barnsley 2-0 Shrewsbury Town
The away side stepped things up after the break, and should have pulled a goal back but for some outstanding defending by Barnsley. Shrews defender Chey Dunkley met a corner but his header was brilliantly blocked on the line by Nicky Cadden, with the Reds scrambling the ball clear.
Cole nearly grabbed a 10th goal of the season when he went on a mazy run that set off inside his own half, but after twisting defenders inside and out, his eventual strike - from just inside the box - arrowed inches wide of the near post.
The top goalscorer did eventually hit that magic double figures mark in the 75th minute, when he latched onto a through-ball from Max Watters before comfortably placing the ball beyond Marosi one-on-one.
There were late chances for Watters and fellow sub, Josh Benson but the Reds had to settle for 3-0, a result that maintained their hold on third position.
FULL TIME: Barnsley 3-0 Shrewsbury Town
Killip, Cotter (O'Keeffe), Williams, de Gevigney, McCart, Cadden (Dodgson), Kane, Russell, Styles (Phillips), Cole (J.Benson), McAtee (Watters).
Unused: Flavell, Shepherd.
