Victory saw Boro go second in the npower Championship, two points behind leaders Southampton, with seven points from three games.

Boro survived an early scare, Stephen McManus putting through his own net after just five minutes, but Scott McDonald opened the floodgates when he headed Barry Robson's corner home, before setting up the latter to tap in from six yards.

Emnes, a marginalised figure under former boss Gordon Strachan but resurgent under Mowbray, then slotted home with consummate ease just before the break to complete the scoring.

"Marvin is a very quiet boy, a very shy boy, and it's just giving him a little bit of confidence, a little bit of belief and putting your arm around him," Mowbray said.

"We've just settled him down and built him up and as you can see tonight, defenders in this league don't enjoy playing against Marvin because he's got such quick feet.

"He's a very talented individual, he can tease players, and with a little bit of extra belief he's started taking chances."

Mowbray's career as a Middlesbrough player ended at Oakwell in 1991, and he returned tonight to guide his side to a fourth straight league win away from home.

He added: "It wasn't in the game plan to go behind so early and yet (the players) stuck to their jobs. I think they believe in what we ask them to do and how we ask them to play.

"I think they showed at the end of last season they can come back from a goal down. We did it again tonight.

"I think McDonald and Emnes can score goals in this division. We managed very well. If you lose a second goal it becomes very nervous, very tense. We never really looked like conceding another goal. A pleasing night for us."

Barnsley manager Keith Hill shrugged off suggestions his reign is already under pressure as his search for a first competitive victory continues.

He said: "I think we learned a lot from tonight, and especially from the opposition. I thought they were magnificent.

"Things aren't going to change overnight. You could sack the manager tomorrow and install a new manager but things aren't going to change at Barnsley Football Club. They've had nine managers in the last 10 seasons.

"New manager? I've no idea. If that's what the fans want then that's what the fans will get.

"There's got to be that realisation from supporters that no matter what changes, that will not change the financial situation at the football club."

Despite McManus' own goal, no Tykes player has yet scored at Oakwell this season and Hill believes home supporters are placing too much pressure on his players.

"I think there's a modern change that away victories are becoming more apparent because of the pressure that's being put on the home side," Hill added.

"We used counterattacking tactics to good effect tonight, but sometimes negativity starts creeping on to the pitch and confidence starts dropping. I think there will be a sigh of relief."