Sheffield Wednesday chief Darren Moore on his masterplan for derby win

Goals either side of half-time from Jordan Rhodes, who took his tally to three goals in three starts this week - put relegation-haunted Wednesday 2-0 ahead at one of the division's real form sides in Barnsley, who came into the game with nine wins in their previous 10 matches, while being unbeaten in their past 12 Championship games.

A late strike from substitute Carlton Morris ensured a nervy finale for the Owls, but they held out on an afternoon when their 3-1-4-2 worked a treat with their back three, Rhodes, Josh Windass, Barry Bannan and Joey Pelupessy among those who turned in very good performances.

Pelupessy policed the area in front of the defence excellently and Callum Paterson also added a physical presence in midfield in a controlled team performance.

Moore said: "I am really pleased for everybody at the football club to get the three much-needed points..

"We wanted to finish the week strongly and I thought we did that. We knew we had to be strong and resolute and dependable and accountable and I think the players showed that today.

"I thought at times in a frantic match, we put our foot on the ball and linked a few passes together and when we did get it at the far end of the pitch, Jordan did what he does best and puts it in the back of the net, so I was really pleased.

"We had to alter the shape as they (Barnsley) made it really difficult for teams here and ask questions. First and foremost, we had to stand up and we did after altering the personnel in the team. When you do that, you still have to stand up and be counted and I thought the players really acquitted themselves really well, given the same amount of time we worked on it.

"There has been a slow improvement week in and week after. It was good to see the players apply themselves right.

"We get two weeks to work. We can get some real good sessions in."

On his players answering a few questions regarding their character, Moore, whose side are six points adrift of safety with nine matches remaining in their campaign, added: "We built on top of Wednesday night.

"What has gone on before I was at the club has gone on. Since I have come here, it is a clean slate and I will work. Since I have been at the club, I have no complaints and I was really pleased for them and wanted the players to feel that adulation from three points and it is really important."

Specifically on the impact of Rhodes, he added: "With Jordan, if we can get him the service, he does what we he says and puts the ball in the back of the net and I thought it was two well-worked finishes - his timing to get across his marker for the first goal was good and his second one was finished really well with his left foot.

"We are pleased with him."

Moore confirmed that keeper Keiren Westwood - named on the starting line-up - missed the game after getting injured in the warm-up, with Joe Wildsmith stepping in at short notice.

He said: "Westy hurt himself in the warm-up when he went to make a diving save. I am not sure what he has done with his injury, but we will have to assess him again on Monday, but hopefully it is not too serious.

"He just did not feel comfortable and held his hand up and said he did not feel comfortable to play, so Joe came in and I thought he did really well."