Phil Brown, the Hull City manager, set his sights on leading his side to the Coca-Cola Championship title after watching them dismantle Barnsley, their Yorkshire rivals, in emphatic fashion at Oakwell last night.

The victory, courtesy of goals from Dean Marney, Ian Ashbee and Dean Windass, a substitute, secured Hull’s third away victory in succession and lifted them into second place with three games remaining. Brown said: “It was a fantastic result. We responded to the challenge and it was a pleasure to watch. Our job now is to stay in the top two. The opportunity is there and, if the chance to win the Championship presents itself, then that is the next challenge.”

A first-half penalty from Marney, after Dennis Souza had fouled Fraizer Campbell, gifted Hull the lead against the run of play and Marney turned provider in the 53rd minute when his corner was met by Ashbee, who powered a header past Luke Steele.

Windass replaced Caleb Folan with seven minutes remaining and scored with his first touch, sliding a low shot underneath Steele. Istvan Ferenczi, a substitute, scored a consolation goal for Barnsley, who need one more win to guarantee Championship survival.

Simon Davey, the manager, said: “Over the past week, the lads have done themselves proud. We’ve responded well following Wembley, but we looked tired and it was hard to watch at times. We need another win, and, hopefully, we can get it soon.

Barnsley (5-3-2): L Steele - M van Homoet, S Foster, D León, L Nayatanga (sub: M Coulson, 46min), R Kozluk - D Souza, B Hassell, J Campbell-Ryce (sub: I Ferenczi, 77) - J Macken, K Odejayi (sub: D Nardiello, 65). Substitutes not used: S Togwell, K Letheren.

Hull City (4-4-2): B Myhill - S Ricketts, M Turner, W Brown, A Dawson - C Fagan (sub: R France, 78), I Ashbee, D Marney, B Hughes - C Folan (sub: D Windass, 83), F Campbell (sub: S Walton, 88). Substitutes not used: M Duke, N Doyle. Referee: S Attwell.