Easter, who completed an emergency deadline-day loan move from MK Dons, will have done his chances of earning a coveted January switch to the Liberty Stadium no harm.
The Wales international`s 27th-minute close-range finish from Nathan Dyer`s cross proved the difference between the two sides and provided a much-needed victory for the Swans, who lost 4-0 at leaders QPR on Boxing Day.
They now head into 2011 in third place in the npower Championship, level on points with Cardiff and Leeds and with Norwich just one behind in what is rapidly becoming a thrilling promotion tussle.
It has been a disappointing Christmas period for Barnsley who have now lost both of their festive fixtures after a five-match unbeaten run and are down in 16th.
Source: PA
Source: PA