SOUTHEND United surged back to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 triumph at in-form Barnsley this afternoon.

The Shrimpers headed into the clash at Oakwell with just one win in their last six games while the Tykes had been beaten just once since the turn of the year.

But goals from Jack Payne and Michael Timlin turned the form book on its head as Phil Brown’s side kept alive their hopes of a top six finish with a well-deserved win.

The lively Payne fired Blues in front after just four minutes when he battled his way through the heart of the Barnsley back four before netting with an assured right footed shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

The Tykes momentarily rallied after going behind with Marley Watkins sending a deflected 16 yard shot inches wide of the left post.

However, Blues were soon back on top with Kevan Hurst’s fine right wing cross picking up Tyrone Barnett at the far post, only for his header to be saved by Barnsley goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Moments later, Payne sent a deflected 20 yard shot wide of the right post before the Shrimpers came within a whisker of doubling their lead when Anthony Wordsworth curled a 14 yard shot against the underside of the crossbar.

Payne then volleyed the resulting left wing cross from Barnett over the crossbar when he should perhaps have done better.

But, with 23 minutes on the clock, Barnsley wasted a golden opportunity to draw back level when a long ball over the top of the Blues’ back four led to Ashley Fletcher charging away from Adam Barrett before being brought down by Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Referee Darren Handley immediately pointed to the spot but chose to issue Bentley just a yellow card.

However, Tykes captain Hourihane was unable to make the most of the opportunity as he sent his penalty wide of the right post.

With Barnsley still looking for a leveller, Harry Chapman saw his 20 yard shot parried to safety by Bentley on the stroke of half-time.

But, at the start of the second half, Southend were back on top with Hurst’s deflected effort going wide of the left post.

In reply, Barnsley striker Fletcher fired a tame effort straight at Bentley after strangely opting to delay his shot before Watkins headed wide of the right post from close range.

Shrimpers boss Brown responded by making his first substitution of the afternoon with Stephen McLaughlin replacing Wordsworth in the 69th minute.

A second change followed seven minutes from time with Will Atkinson coming on for Hurst before Timlin replaced Glen Kamara four minutes later.

The new look Blues had their hearts in their mouths in the last minute of normal time when Tykes substitute Sam Winnall blasted a powerful 25 yard shot just inches wide of the right post.

But, deep into stoppage time, Southend made sure of all three points when Timlin lashed a stunning long range shot into the top right hand corner of the net.