A superb double from Darren Barnard maintained Barnsley's promotion challenge and left patched-up West Brom lurking dangerously close to the First Division relegation zone.

The industrious Barnard secured the all important points when he found the target in the fourth and 66th minutes to make it four wins on the trot for high-flying Barnsley.

But the Welsh international midfielder owed his first vital goal to a shocking defensive blunder from keeper Chris Adamson who was making his first league appearance of the season for Albion.

The 21-year-old Geordie, who took over from the injured Alan Miller, raced out of his area to clear a long ball from Mike Sheron.

But Adamson lost out in a challenge with Craig Hignett and his pass found Nicky Eaden who crossed for Barnard to head into an empty net.

There was nothing lucky about Barnard's second goal, however, which made it ten games without a win for an Albion side missing four key players through suspension.

Barnard fired a brilliant 20-yard free-kick into the left hand corner of the net that gave Adamson no chance.

Albion, who were also missing defender Paul Raven after he broke his jaw in a weekend training accident, worked hard with Enzo Maresca twice being denied by keeper Kevin Miller.

But Dave Bassett's Tykes held firm to cap a fine Festive period and heap more misery on Brian Little's troubled Baggies.

Teams:

West Brom: Adamson, McDermott, Burgess, Gabbidon, Potter, Quinn, Sneekes, Townsend, Maresca, Evans, De Freitas.

Subs Not Used: Morris, Angel, Oliver, J. Chambers, A. Chambers.

Booked: Townsend, Maresca.

Barnsley: Miller, Curtis, Chettle, Morgan, Barker, Eaden, Tinkler, Appleby, Barnard, Hignett (Shipperley 79), Sheron (Dyer 89).

Subs Not Used: Bullock, McClare, Brown.

Booked: Morgan, Tinkler.

Goals: Barnard 4, 66.

Att: 13,411

Ref: D Laws (Whitley Bay).