Super-sub Raul Jimenez scored a 90th minute winner to spare Wolves’ blushes at Sheffield United.
The visitors had chances in the first half to take the lead but lacked conviction in front of goal in what looked set to be a frustrating afternoon.
A disappointing second half then saw Wolves hand opportunities to the hosts, drop in confidence and become wasteful in attack themselves.
But when a goalless draw seemed destined to be the final outcome, Jimenez struck late on to send the travelling fans wild and earn Wolves a crucial three points.
Analysis
Cesar Peixoto made one change to the team that drew with Birmingham, as star striker Raul Jimenez was dropped and Mateus Mane came in.
Kieran Trippier made his return from injury to make the bench, while Tawanda Chirewa missed out.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is back in training following his hamstring injury but was not included, while Bertrand Traore is still building up fitness and Rafiki Said and Yerson Mosquea remain sidelined.
Former Wolves defender Matt Doherty, who left the club for the second time in the summer, was named on the bench for Sheffield United.
Wolves made a steady start to the game and had plenty of possession, but were guilty of giving away too many free-kicks and allowing the hosts opportunities from set pieces.
A nice team move resulted in Ladislav Krejci finding Adam Armstrong’s run and his cutback found Fer Lopez, who had his shot deflected wide.
A big chance came when Jackson Tchatchoua and Rodrigo Gomes combined down the right and the latter crossed for Marshall Munetsi, who had a free shot inside the box but hit it straight at the goalkeeper.
Wolves were too open at times, however, and as Patrick Bamford threatened to break Krejci was booked for bringing him down, before Peixoto was also handed a yellow card by referee Robert Jones for complaining at decisions against his team.
Wolves had another chance when Lopez found R.Gomes and from a tight angle he fired wide.
Neither side could find a breakthrough before half-time.
In the early stages of the second half, Wolves were somehow denied a clear penalty.
Referee Jones had struggled to control the game in the first half and was then incapable of making a decision as the second 45 began, when Krejci’s ball over the top released Mane and his flick was essentially cleared away by Mark McGuinness’ hand, but only a corner was given.
One member of both sets of backroom staff were then booked after consistent arguments in the dugouts.
The Blades caused some problems from set pieces as they settled into the half and Wolves had to rely on two offside calls to avoid potentially conceding.
Jordan Ayew then dragged a shot wide after the hosts broke forward on the counter attack.
As the game reached the final 10 minutes, Wolves were being carved open so easily and hanging on, while they also had openings themselves in attack but were incredibly wasteful.
Mane was particularly guilty of giving the ball away cheaply or failing to cross from good positions.
Hope was seemingly lost, until a brilliant Andre ball found Trippier, who crossed low for Doyle. He scuffed at his shot but it fell kindly to Jimenez at the back post who tapped home his third goal of the season and first from open play.
The Wolves away end and bench went wild, as the substitutes raced down the touchline to celebrate with their team-mates.
Wolves managed six minutes of added time with professionalism to take all three points from South Yorkshire.
Key Moments
90 GOAL Jimenez wins it for Wolves
Teams
Wolves: Sa, Tchatchoua (Trippier, 70), Djiga (Toti, 70), Krejci, H.Bueno, Andre, Munetsi (James, 63), R.Gomes (Jimenez, 63), Lopez (Doyle, 70), Mane, Armstrong.
Subs not used: Virginia, Konan, Traore, Neave.
Sheffield United: Cooper, McCallum (Norrington-Davies, 85), Arblaster (Rothwell, 81), Tanganga, Choudhury (Doherty, 81), Kitching, Brereton Diaz (Ayew, 64), McGuinness, Phillips (Cannon, 64), Peck, Bamford.
Subs not used: Davies, Donovan, Shackleton, Riedewald.
Sound like there’s still room for improvement….if we can keep picking up points without being very good, that’s got to be a good thing right?
It doesn’t feel like we have the right shape in midfield with Andre and Munetsi, and then Lopez floating. The problems without the ball start there.
Mane is also becoming very frustrating - too selfish, not picking the pass or the cross. Jimenez went crazy with him when he just needed a ball in his path to score.
We won. It was scrappy. Next game …