David McGoldrick's late header gave Southampton a crucial away victory after Barnsley had dominated much of the match at Oakwell.
The hosts missed a series of first-half chances to take the lead, with Jamie Cureton wasting the best opportunities.
Jon Macken's swivel and shot also went just over the bar before half time.
But McGoldrick nodded in a Lee Holmes cross 14 minutes from time to seal the Saints' first league win in nine games, though they remain third from bottom.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey:
"I have got a few irons in the fire and hopefully we will have a face [new signing] in the building by Wednesday. I need to get one striker in, possibly two.
"We have had endless amounts of chances and possession but we couldn't get the ball in the back of the net. When we did breach them, their goalkeeper made saves.
"Teams will always get one chance and they took it, unfortunately we had 10 chances and did not take any."
Southampton boss Jan Poortvliet: "If it is deserved, I don't know... the win is the most important thing. We got the goal at the right moment, with only 14 minutes left to play.
"I am satisfied by the result, I think the boys worked hard. They looked like a team today, it's important to get the first win of the year.
"The goalkeeper [Kelvin Davies] has been good all year. He is there to make saves and he was outstanding. You know he is there and he will save you a couple of times." Barnsley: Muller, Foster, Moore, Guedes, Van Homoet, Campbell-Ryce, Hassell, El Haimour (Butterfield 66), Cureton, Macken, Rigters (Odejayi 78). Subs Not Used: Steele, Potter, Heslop.
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