The Tykes could consider themselves unlucky to leave Colney with at least a point after they played some good football throughout but the Canaries England International keeper was once again in superb form and rightly deserved his man of the match award.
City found themselves on the back foot during the opening minutes, but after 12 minutes, on almost their first attack and against the run of play, they took the lead. Adam Smith's free-kick was headed back across goal by Greg Crane, allowing Blackburn to finish from close range.
Lee Blackburn battles in midfield
Man of the Match Joe Lewis makes another fine save
City won the ball back from the restart to force a corner, and when Barnsley failed to clear their lines David Tyrie headed the ball back into the danger area where Danny Crow crossed for Blackburn to volley home his second goal.
At the other end Lewis produced the first of his saves denying Tom Baker not once but twice.
He had however little chance with Barnsley's first goal on 26 minutes when Simon Hislop drilled a shot into the bottom right hand corner.
David Chick, who had looked lively for the reserves on Wednesday, saw a shot saved before City regained their two-goal advantage on 35 minutes when Ryan Laight turned a low cross from Danny Crow into his own net. Five minutes later and Barnsley again reduced the arrears when Nicky Wroe headed home from close range.
After the break it was Nathan Joynes who was frustrated by Lewis, while at the other end Blackburn ooked for his hat-trick with a long range effort that was comfortably saved by Shackleton in the visitor's goal.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, although Crow should have done better with a close range header from a Nicky Howell cross.
Action in the Norwich goalmouth
City Line Up: Lewis, Willis, Chick, Crane, Tyrie, Smith, Howlett [Howell 45], Blackburn, Clarke [Watts 83], Crow, Eagle.
Subs Not Used: J.Osborne, Herbert, Gusterson.
Top Canary: Joe Lewis.
