Goals from Jonny Howson and Chuba Akpom either side of half-time gave the Teessiders all three points before cauley woodrow scored a late consolation goal from the penalty spot.
Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his marks following the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see them:
1. Marcus Bettinelli - 6
Didn’t have much to do but kept his defenders in check by barking out instructions throughout. Beaten by a late penalty. 6 Photo: Stu Forster
2. Anfernee Dijksteel - 7
Another composed display. Positioned himself well on the right of a back three and was rarely troubled. 7 Photo: Richard Heathcote
3. Dael Fry - 8
Was commanding in the air in the heart of Boro’s defence and barely gave the Barnsley frontmen a sniff. 8 Photo: Alex Davidson
4. Paddy McNair - 8
Positioned himself well at the back and posed a threat with his free-kicks. 8 Photo: Getty Images