STRIKER Daniel Nardiello was the toast of Barnsley for the second time in five days, to improve their hopes of survival - and his chances of getting a new contract.
Nardiello was the Tykes' matchwinner against Birmingham on Easter Monday and was on the mark twice at Roots Hall to send Southend plunging towards the drop.
The ex-Manchester United striker is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer but four goals in his last three games will have aided his case with Barnsley boss Simon Davey.
Davey said: "He took his goals very well. He has been with us for three years now and it sometimes seems longer but he is only 24."
Nardiello produced the vital breakthrough in the 15th minute when he cut back onto his favoured left foot to curl a delightful shot home into the far corner of the net.
Winger Kyle Reid extended the advantage 14 minutes later when he scored direct from a corner.
And Barnsley were firmly in control six minutes into the second half when the same pair combined for Nardiello to head home his seventh goal of the season unchallenged at the near post.
The victory moves Davey's side above Hull in the table - and the Tykes manager insists he is optimistic about his side's chances of escaping the drop.
Davey added: "We needed the points and got them. We showed great character and if we continue like this we will keep ourselves in the Division."
Southend only woke up after conceding for a third time, and Mark Gower's 69th-minute strike gave them hope. But Alan McCormack and Steve Hammell were both denied late in the day.
Southend boss Steve Tilson said: "It was a great opportunity but some of my players looked nervous and didn't want the ball.
"We didn't get at them until their third goal, but I still think two wins and a draw can get us out of trouble."