Away day joy at last as Tykes savour win Luton Town 0 Barnsley 2 Brian Howard's first-half strike and a last-minute Martin Devaney effort secured Barnsley's first away win in the Championship since August. Tykes midfielder Howard broke powerfully into Luton's penalty area in the seventh minute to fire home left-footed into the bottom corner to give the visitors the edge their first-half display warranted and then set up Devaney who made made sure in the closing stages. Both sides created chances after the interval in an even contest but Luton lacked a cutting edge up front and in the main both sides were restricted to long-range efforts. Barnsley, who had lost their previous three league matches, have now moved within two points of Mike Newell's side, who now appear embroiled in a relegation battle. Barnsley last won on their travels on August 12 when they edged out Colchester 2-1 at Layer Road. Barnsley manager Simon Davey recalled Antony Kay, Adam Eckersley, Grant McCann and Marc Richards following his side's home FA Cup replay defeat to Southend and it was the visitors who made the brighter start as Howard latched on to Daniel Nardiello's pass to shoot low into the bottom corner. Luton goalkeeper Dean Kiely held another effort from Richards, who was quick to make an impression after this week turning down a move to Port Vale. Kiely then turned away Martin Devaney's spectacular 30-yard free-kick in fine style before Luton created their first effort on goal in the 26th minute when Barnett's bullet header from Langley's corner was well held by Barnsley goalkeeper Nick Colgan. Langley and Sam Togwell traded 25-yard shots that were saved and David Bell rifled another long-range effort over the crossbar in an even contest. Luton lost both Sol Davis and Barnett to injury not long after the interval with Ahmet Brkovic and Russell Perrett on as replacements. Warren Feeney had already limped out of the action during the first period. The action continued to flow from end to end. Steve Robinson's 25-yard shot was blocked by Barnsley defender Bobby Hassell and the Luton midfielder was then denied by Colgan, who got down well to parry another effort. Winger Kyel Reid and striker Michael Coulson replaced Barnsley strike pair Nardiello and Richards with 10 minutes to go with Barnsley just as likely to extend their lead as lose it. Togwell let fly with another 25-yard shot and in the last minute goalscorer Howard turned provider when his pass inside from the left wing set up Devaney and he shot into bottom corner. Davey said: "I said the team spirit was great this week in training and they have proved that with this result. "The work ethic was fantastic and we took our chances, which we haven't been doing in the past couple of weeks. I am pleased for the lads because we've come in for a bit of stick lately. It's a fantastic result for us. "Luton had some pressure in the second half, which is understandable, but the lads at the back held firm." 22 January 2007
