Barnsley have won their fifth consecutive League One game thanks to a George Waring double against Walsall at Oakwell.
The home side got off to the perfect start after Waring, on loan from Stoke City, headed in from Conor Hourihane's corner for his third goal in three games.
Walsall failed to get going, but had a penalty appeal turned down after half an hour following a clash in the box between Mason Holgate and Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila.
The Saddlers struggled to create any telling chances in a half dominated by Barnsley.
Hiwula-Mayifuila had Walsall's first attempt with an hour gone, but he struck wide after a one-on-one with Barnsley keeper Adam Davies.
Waring grabbed his second of the game with 20 minutes left, finding the bottom corner with a left-footed strike.
Substitute Sam Winnall rounded off the victory with his 10th goal of the season, after his strike found the top corner following John O'Sullivan's assist.
Walsall failed to record a shot on target all game as Barnsley comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, with only goal difference keeping them out of the playoff spots.
Michael Hincks
