Boss Ian Evatt welcomed the three points as Wanderers peaked early to collect the win that lifted them to fourth place in the League One table, writes Pete Oliver.
Evatt’s men bounced back from defeat to Carlisle United a fortnight ago with a 2-1 victory over Northampton Town which took them within five points of second-placed Oxford United.
The Whites couldn’t add to goals from Dion Charles and Randell Williams in a sparkling opening spell.
But with Ricardo Almeida Santos back to bolster the defence, Wanderers kept the Cobblers at bay late on to seal a timely fifth home success of the season.
“The most important thing today is a win,” said Evatt. “We won the game and we mustn't forget some of the great work in the first half.
“Yes, the second half was a damp squib and a little bit disappointing, but they didn't really create too much and we know we can improve from that.
“Some of our approach play in the first half was as good as I've seen and we have to stay true to that and consistent with that. We just didn't get that third goal that would have sealed and killed the game.
“We won the game. That's three wins from four, we're fourth in the league with a game in hand, if not two, on most and we'll go again with two difficult away games to come.”
Wanderers now head to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night and Charlton Athletic with momentum restored.
And Evatt’s men have now lost just once in their last six games in all competitions after responding positively to their defeat to Carlisle ahead of the international break.
“Credit to the lads. We always somehow find a way to react to adversity and we found a way to win today, which is the most important thing.We needed to win the game, no doubt about that,” added Evatt.
“I think in the first half we were outstanding for large periods but just when we smelt blood we didn't go in for the kill. We were guilty of losing a bit of tempo because we were having so much success.
“Momentum is a key word in football and 2-0, as we know, is always a funny scoreline when you don't finish the game off. It always feels a lot nervier than it should do.
“They got a goal but other than the feel of us not managing the game the way we want to they didn't create anything else and it's an important three points. There are a lot of positives to take from that but there are some learnings as well.
“Three wins out of four isn't at all bad and we know there are improvements to come, so we'll park this now and get ready for two difficult away games.”
Watch the manager's full post-match interview on Wanderers TV HERE