Aaron Collins fired Bolton back into the Sky Bet League One play-off places with the only goal in a 1-0 win over former club Bristol Rovers.
Steven Schumacher’s side had dropped out of the top six after results earlier in the day and Rovers frustrated the hosts until Collins headed his 18th goal of the campaign from substitute Gethin Jones’ cross after 76 minutes.
Bolton then needed Nathan Baxter’s smart save to deny Matt Butcher an equaliser three minutes later.
The Trotters had not beaten Rovers on home soil since 1989 and they struggled to break down their relegation-threatened visitors.
A Connor Taylor header against his own bar was as close as Bolton came to going in front in the opening period.
Collins, who moved to Bolton in February last year, was denied by Jed Ward’s 70th-minute save.
But he was on target soon after to lift Wanderers up to sixth, though his celebrations were muted in respect to his previous club.
