Barnsley suffered a bad day defensively as they slipped to defeat against early season front-runners Luton.
The new look home side had real trouble contending with Luton's physical and direct approach, with visiting striker Steve Howard producing a man of the match performance.
Fans were treated to two goals inside the first four minutes in what was an explosively and frantic start to a terrific fixture.
Barnsley took the lead on two minutes when Stephen McPhail's left-wing cross found its way to Mick Boulding and he scored on the second attempt.
Luton levelled just two minutes later, a mistake by home keeper Nick Colgan being punished by Howard's close range header.
Luton continued to look dangerous going forward and a mistake by Bobby Hassell let in Rowan Vine but his low drive struck the legs of Colgan.
Barnsley striker Barry Conlon brought a good parry from ex-Tykes keeper Marlon Beresford but it was the visitors who continued to look the team with the more threat and after Colgan saved from Vine, Luton snatched a 2-1 lead in the 44th minute.
Once again defensive hesitancy allowed Vine to get in behind the home defence and he produced a clinical finish.
Then, on the stroke of half time, Luton substitute Ahmet Brkovic stole in to make it 3-1 with a close range header from a dubious free kick.
Another dreadful header by Barnsley enabled Luton to make it 4-1 on 67 minutes. The home side gave the ball away in midfield and Steve Robinson was allowed to race clear unchallenged before sliding the ball past Colgan.
McPhail gave Barnsley some hope with a sublime free kick after 72 minutes and substitute Daniel Nardiello also went close.
Boulding then bagged his second goal in the last minute making it 4-3, but it was Luton who came away with the points.