A last-minute goal from Anthony Kay saw Barnsley claim what could prove to be a vital win come May as they inflicted Luton's first defeat in six games with a 1-0 win at Kenilworth Road.
The first half produced a game of fits and starts so it was the visitors who on the whole manufactured most of the chances.
They should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when a deep free kick on the right found Steven Carson lurking unmarked at the far post, however his volley which was heading goalwards was blocked by Emerson Boyce.
Boyce was involved in the action again five minutes later when he was dispossessed by Jonathan Walters with the latter's cross-shot tipped over by the back pedalling Marlon Beresford in the Luton goal.
Barnsley were playing the neater more intricate football by now and one such move resulted in a swift attack involving Kay and Kevin Betsy ending in Walters fluffing his shot.
Luton's first chance of the half saw an Adrian Forbes free kick bobble through the penalty box resulting in Barnsley's keeper Sasa Ilic fumbling it, however the Luton forwards were unable to fire the ball home.
Despite all the chances it was the Hatters who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Steve Robinson's 25-yard free-kick thundered against the top of the bar.
Walters had a chance to give Barnsley a deserved lead going into the break when from a tight angle he fired straight at Marlon Beresford.
The second half saw Luton start brighter, however it was the visitors on the attack soon after and they should have taken the lead from Carlton's corner though centre back Craig Ireland somehow missed the target from two yards out.
The last 20 minutes saw both sides create chances with Luton's Steven Howard heading straight at Ilic whilst only a last-gasp challenge from Robinson prevented Kevin Betsy from giving Barnsley a probable lead.
Boyce again came to Luton's rescue with a great challenge before Paul Warhurst's spectacular effort was superbly saved by Beresford.
However just as it seemed destined to end goalless Marlon Beresford failed to sufficiently deal with Carson's corner and Kay was on hand to gleefully volley in the loose ball.