Brian Howard's first-half strike and a last-minute Martin Devaney effort secured Barnsley's first away win in the Coca-Cola 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.

Defender Leon Barnett and midfielder Richard Langley returned to Luton's starting line-up, while 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.

Barnsley made the brighter start and after Richards fired narrowly wide were rewarded in the seventh minute when Howard latched on to Daniel Nardiello's pass to shoot home 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.

Nardiello's piledriver flew wide and Devaney's shot from distance was held by Kiely.

Luton suffered a further blow when they 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 limped out of the action during the first period with Adam Boyd stepping off the substitutes' bench.

Langley and Boyd fired in shots from outside the penalty area which Colgan held, while Howard's left-footed effort was narrowly over the crossbar at the other end.

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 from the edge of the area.

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.

Teams

Luton Kiely, Davis (Brkovic 46), Coyne, Barnett (Perrett 53),Keane, Emanuel, Langley, Robinson, Bell, Feeney (Boyd 22),Morgan.

Subs Not Used: Beresford, Spring.

Booked: Brkovic, Robinson.

Barnsley Colgan, Hassell, Paul Reid, Kay, Eckersley, Devaney,Togwell, McCann, Howard, Richards (Kyel Reid 82),Nardiello (Coulson 81).

Subs Not Used: Lucas, Atkinson, Mattis.

Booked: Devaney, Nardiello.

Goals: Howard 7, Devaney 90.

Att: 7,441

Ref: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).