Davis Keillor-Dunn chose the perfect – and perhaps the worst – time to underline his value as Barnsley brushed aside Stevenage to ease any relegation fears.

The in-demand striker, who has been linked with a move to high-flying Championship club Wrexham, scored a match-winning double to fire the Reds to a pressure-relieving victory – just their second in nine games.

However, with the transfer window still open, there was a lingering fear among supporters that this might have been his last act in a Barnsley shirt.

While uncertainty reigns ahead of Monday's deadline, the Reds can breathe easier after moving five points clear of the relegation zone.

Stevenage – among the early pacesetters before dropping out of the top six – arrived at Oakwell protecting the best defensive record in League One but they had no answer to the lively hosts.

David McGoldrick broke the deadlock early on with his fourth goal in three appearances, a lead doubled by top scorer Keillor-Dunn.

Dan Kemp halved Stevenage's deficit before half-time but Keillor-Dunn scored his 16th of the season shortly after the interval to restore Barnsley's advantage and send them on their way to a welcome win.

With Northampton Town next up at Oakwell on Tuesday night, the Reds – who lag as many as four games behind some of their rivals in the table – have the chance to build some much-needed momentum.

Davis Keillor-Dunn scored twice as speculation continues about his future. (Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Davis Keillor-Dunn scored twice as speculation continues about his future. (Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)

Barnsley were hammered 4-0 at Cardiff City in midweek but there was no hangover on Saturday afternoon.

McGoldrick was front and centre in the opening exchanges as Barnsley seized the early initiative.

Although he was denied by the offside flag inside the first minute, the veteran frontman was already into his work.

McGoldrick blazed a good chance over soon after but he did not have to wait much longer for the goal his lively start merited.

Reyes Cleary has also been linked with a move away. (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

Carl Piergianni gifted McGoldrick another opportunity with a loose pass in his own box and he made no mistake this time, firing across Filip Marschall and into the far corner.

Barnsley had the early goal they craved and immediately went in search of a second.

Luca Connell shot wide from a well-worked corner before Keillor-Dunn fired into the side-netting after being left with only Marschall to beat.

But, just as McGoldrick did, Keillor-Dunn quickly brushed off the disappointment to find the net with the help of a post following good work by Reyes Cleary.

David McGoldrick scored the opener for Barnsley. (Photo: Harry McGuire - CameraSport via Getty Images)

That kind of clinical finishing will hardly ease the fans' concerns with the transfer deadline looming, even if the second goal was welcome and deserved.

The Reds had sloppy Stevenage right where they wanted them, only to gift a goal in familiar fashion.

Connell, who endured a difficult night at Cardiff, extended his generosity with a poor pass in a dangerous area and Kemp punished him from Jamie Reid's flick.

Barnsley played out the rest of the half without incurring further damage and crucially struck first after the interval through that man Keillor-Dunn.

Scott Banks' ball in behind left Marschall scrambling, allowing Keillor-Dunn to round the keeper and slot into an empty net with a confident finish.

Debutant Banks was denied by a good save from Marschall before Stevenage boss Alex Revell emptied his bench in a last roll of the dice.

The away side, who were permitted six changes due to Jasper Pattenden's early concussion, poured forward as the heavens opened but Barnsley dug in to keep them at arm's length.

Harry Cornick flicked Stevenage's best chance the wrong side of the post from close range.

Keillor-Dunn and Cleary were withdrawn together late on, with all eyes now on whether Barnsley can keep the vultures at bay.

Barnsley: Goodman, Shepherd, O'Keeffe, McGoldrick, O'Connell, Banks (Roberts 91), Cleary (Chiwera 81), Kelly (Yoganathan 71), Watson, Keillor-Dunn (Bland 81), Connell. Substitutes unused: Flavell, De Gevigney, Ogbeta.

Goals: McGoldrick (14), Keillor-Dunn (31, 48).

Stevenage: Marschall, Piergianni, Sweeney, Phillips (Thompson 59), Kemp (Campbell 59), Roberts (Lubala 59), Earley, Freestone, Pattenden (Patterson 10), White (Houghton 46), Reid (Cornick 59). Substitutes unused: Ashby-Hammond.

Goals: Kemp (37).

Referee: S Stocksbridge (Durham).