Wycombe Wanderers won for the first time in seven matches as they defeated a spirited Bolton Wanderers side 1-0 at Adams Park.

A brilliant Sam Vokes header with 18 minutes remaining was all that separated the two sides, as the Chairboys ended a run of four straight home defeats.

The home side were quick out the traps and got into the faces of their opponents early on, as Anis Mehmeti and Brandon Hanlan ran the Bolton backline ragged.

This eventually led to the contest’s first attempt on goal, but Sullay Kaikai, who was making his first league start at Adams Park following his move from Blackpool in the summer, smashed his half-volley over the bar.

The Chairboys continued to pass the ball around, but this was in and around some fierce tackles from both sides, as just minutes into the match, Wanderers’ Jordan Obita and Bolton’s Alex Baptiste exchanged words in full view of referee, David Rock.

The Lancashire side eventually got into the game with Oladapo Afolayan being undoubtedly their best player.

Wanderers' number 17 had scored seven league goals in 17 league games before the visit to Adams Park on Saturday, and it was clear to see where Bolton had got their goals from this campaign, as Afolayan’s mazy runs caused Jason McCarthy, Anthony Stewart, and Ryan Tafazolli bucket loads of trouble.

However, after the Trotters’ brief spell of dominance, Wycombe had a great opportunity to take the lead.

Moments after Sam Vokes had hit the inside of the Bolton post with a low drive, Mehmeti was sandwiched in the box, and Rock had no option but to give a penalty after 24 minutes.

The Albanian, who has yet to score this season, kept hold of the ball and eventually took the spot-kick.

However, for the second Saturday in a row, the kick was saved by the opposition keeper, as Joel Dixon easily gathered the attempt.

A golden chance squandered.

Wycombe continued to get into good positions after the failed penalty, as Tafazolli and Vokes headed wide, with McCarthy’s header being caught by the keeper, but Dixon in the Bolton, in all honesty, didn’t have much to do in the opening 45 minutes.

Bolton’s best chance fell to Elias Kachunga just before half-time, but after finding himself one-on-one with David Stockdale, the Wycombe shot-stopper made himself big to deny the Wanderers attacker.

And whatever Gareth Ainsworth said at half-time nearly went out of the window, as the away side went very close in taking the lead just seconds into the half, but Afolayan, who was Bolton’s best player, was one-on-one with Stockdale, but again, the keeper made himself to deny Wanderers’ form man.

Moments later, Wycombe tried their luck through a long-range effort from Kaikai, but his shot from 20-yards just bounced wide.

The second 45 wasn’t the best of spectacles as both sides enjoyed large spells of possession without penetrating the opposition’s half.

But, the game kicked into life with 25 minutes remaining.

A cross/shot by Obita was pushed away by Dixon, with David Wheeler not being able to get enough on the rebound to steer it at goal.

But, with 18 minutes to go, the breakthrough was finally broken.

A brilliant delivery from McCarthy was planted onto the head of Vokes, who looped his effort over a stranded Dixon from 10 yards.

It was his fifth of the campaign and his first in five matches.

Moments later, Hanlan was denied by Dixon before a Tafazolli header hit the roof of the goal, but on the wrong side of the crossbar.

A late Bolton surge in the seven minutes added on did make it a nervy ending at Adams Park, but Wycombe held onto to secure a very important three points.

Up next is Plymouth Argyle away on Tuesday night.