Wolves are within sight of the play-offs as a single goal victory sent Grimsby Town one step nearer relegation to the second division.
A competitive clash was decided by Nathan Blake's 13th minute goal when the striker burst clear onto a throughball and buried a low shot into the bottom corner.
Grimsby battled gamely but it was Wolves that created the chances and Paul Ince and Kenny Miller went close before keeper Danny Coyne denied George Ndah just before half time.
At the start of the second half, Blake looked certain to wrap things up for Wolves only to be denied by a brilliant save from Coyne.
Grimsby could not be faulted for effort and young striker Darren Mansaram waged a lone furrow up front for the Mariners.
The striker headed wide from a good move and twice fired over before he got some support in the shape of substitute Michael Boulding.
But try as they might Grimsby could not fashion an equaliser and Wolves held on fairly comfortably for an important three points.
Grimsby's home game with Crystal Palace on Saturday is now a must-win one as this match against Wolves used up the game in hand that they had over Brighton.
After a good run of four games unbeaten they were unlucky to run into second from top Leicester and Wolves and the two defeats have condemned Grimsby to an anxious last five games.
It is not all over yet for the Mariners but it is not looking good and after a couple of seasons of staving off relegation it looks as if this time they are going to fall through the trap door.
For Wolves they look to be heading in the opposite direction and after the agony of last season when they threw away certain promotion and missed out in the play-offs, they look as if they are going to be in the mix this time although automatic promotion does look beyond them.