Reading have picked up their ninth win in ten after a blitzing second half at Oakwell this afternoon.
High-flying Reading got out of the blocks quickly and were almost ahead instantly as Noel Hunt was played through on goal and tried to lift over Luke Steele, only to be denied by the Tykes' keeper.
Jobi McAnuff also blazed over with another good chance before the home side got themselves into the game using swift, counter-attacking football.
However, Reading continued to look the more dangerous but were unable to find a way past Steele in the opening half.
Brian McDermott's men were ahead soon after the interval when Jason Roberts unselfishly squared for McAnuff to tap home and they were two ahead in no time when Jem Karacan found the net on 49 minutes by pouncing on a loose ball and smashing in.
The midfielder doubled his tally and put the visitors three up 15 minutes later by curling home from 25 yards to all but seal the game before the impressive Jason Roberts made it four late-on.
Three points for the Royals means they draw level with league leaders Southampton and move four clear of West Ham in third.
Pascal Lemesre
