Niclas Eliasson's goal was his third of the season for Bristol City
Bristol City boosted their play-off chances as Niclas Eliasson's goal gave them victory over Barnsley at Ashton Gate.
Winger Eliasson kept his composure to pick his spot in the 87th minute following Jay Dasilva's superb surging run and cross as Gerhard Struber's Tykes suffered only their second defeat in eight games.
The Robins hit the woodwork twice in the opening half, but Barnsley showed plenty of enterprise with Conor Chaplin forcing a superb save from Daniel Bentley.
Luke Thomas jabbed wide from five yards after a mis-hit shot fell to him and recent recruit Marcel Ritzmaier almost put the Tykes ahead after the break, only for his chip to strike the crossbar.
City's win lifts them up a place to eighth, below Nottingham Forest in sixth on goal difference only, while Barnsley remain 22nd, a point below Stoke - who have a game hand.
The visitors, beaten only once in their seven previous games, were forced into a late change when full-back Clarke Oduor suffered a warm-up injury, with Ben Williams drafted into the starting XI in his place.
And they were fortunate to remain on level terms as Jacob Brown headed against his own crossbar following a corner and keeper Brad Collins instinctively pushed Ashley Williams' near-post effort against the post.
Lee Johnson has yet to lose in six games against his former club since becoming Robins boss, but his side were let down by their finishing in the second half with Famara Diedhiou and Eliasson both missing the target before the latter finally broke the deadlock.
Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol:
"Barnsley are a really good side. The new manager looks really good. You can see the work he's implemented. They'll be a tough side to play for most teams.
"It was a massive win for us. We needed to apologise, almost, in our performance to the fans. We and everybody else wanted the Liverpool game.
"That's three wins in four in the league and it's starting to look a lot more positive."
Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"The performance was great, especially the second half. I'm very proud of my boys. We created a lot of chances, but we're not in the same killer mode as in our last games.
"It's too simple for the opponent to score a goal. But our problem today was not the defence. It was in the last pass.
"This defeat is very painful."
