Marc Richards regained his scoring touch when it mattered most as Barnsley secured a priceless victory to leapfrog Championship relegation rivals QPR.

Goalless in his previous 15 appearances and under increased pressure following the arrival of Hungarian forward Peter Rajczi, Richards responded in the best possible manner.

His close-range finish on the stroke of half-time gave Barnsley's survival prospects a massive shot in the arm and Brian Howard's last-minute strike from 20 yards sealed the points.

It was tough on John Gregory's side, who now reside in the relegation zone, as they created a succession of half-chances only to be thwarted by an excellent defensive display from Barnsley.

This was the Tykes' second successive win and the availability of Rajczi for Friday's trip to Cardiff will serve as another boost to their survival prospects.

The Hungary striker, who has been capped nine times and scored 23 goals last season in domestic competition, has agreed to a loan move from Ujpest Dozsa until the end of the season with a view to completing a permanent deal in the summer. He was ineligible to face Rangers as he awaits international clearance and was forced to watch in frustration from Oakwell's main stand.

Rangers, who handed a debut to Adam Bolder in the centre of midfield following his arrival from Derby, created the better chances for much of the game.

Paul Furlong and Dexter Blackstock offered the Londoners plenty of pace and power up front, and they threatened to open the scoring in the 10th minute.

Veteran midfielder Steve Lomas struck a low shot from the edge of the box which Barnsley midfielder Antony Kay inadvertently turned goalwards, forcing goalkeeper Nick Colgan into a smart stop.

Moments later Barnsley threatened when right-back Bobby Hassell produced a deep cross which forced a fine clearance from Zesh Rehman at the far post.

Daniel Nardiello then sent Martin Devaney clear down the right flank but his teasing cross was expertly cleared by Damion Stewart.

Rangers' on-loan Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith caught his first sight of goal in the 21st minute when he drilled a left-foot shot narrowly wide.

Barnsley midfielder Howard, a constant driving force for his side, put Richards clean through 10 minutes before the break and his shot was superbly parried by Simon Royce.

However, a raised flag from an assistant referee ensured any goal would have been disallowed.

Almost two minutes into first-half injury-time, however, Richards was not to be denied.

Another fine right-wing delivery from Devaney found its way to Richards, who looked suspiciously offside but wasted no time in controlling the ball and slipping it past Royce from inside the six-yard box.

Rangers mounted an impressive fightback in the second half and in the 51st minute Furlong played in Lee Cook down the left flank.

His whipped delivery was crying out to be nodded in but a vital clearing header from Tykes defender Adam Eckersley averted the danger.

Chelsea midfielder Smith then crossed for Furlong to miskick horribly when well-placed and then Blackstock headed straight at Colgan from a Cook free-kick.

Having weathered the storm, Barnsley sealed the points in the last minute when Howard spotted Royce off his line and produced a fine chip from 20 yards to secure a victory which sent Oakwell wild.

Teams:

Barnsley Colgan, Hassell, Paul Reid, Kay, Eckersley, Devaney,Togwell, Howard, McCann, Nardiello (Kyel Reid 73), Richards.

Subs Not Used: Lucas, Coulson, Atkinson, Mattis.

Booked: Devaney.

Goals: Richards 45, Howard 90.

QPR Royce, Mancienne, Rehman (Nygaard 85), Timoska, Stewart,Bolder, Lomas (Ainsworth 74), Smith, Cook,Furlong (Ray Jones 71), Blackstock.

Subs Not Used: Cole, Kanyuka.

Booked: Timoska, Mancienne.

Att: 9,890

Ref: C Boyeson (E Yorkshire).