Wolves scored twice in the final eight minutes to overturn a deficit and beat Bristol City 2-1 at Ashton Gate, with substitute Sean Neave moving his side up to second in the Sky Bet Championship.
Bristol City appeared set for victory after Scott Twine gave them the lead in the 34th minute. Twine was fouled 25 yards from goal before rising to curl an unstoppable right-footed free-kick beyond Jose Sa and into the top corner.
Wolves had been the more threatening team for much of the first half but found Brad Collins in good form. The goalkeeper comfortably dealt with a shot from Adam Armstrong, while City striker Lorent Tolaj headed wide from Rio Cardines’ cross in the 29th minute.
Until Twine’s spectacular strike, the evening’s only fireworks had come before kick-off.
The goal gave Michael Skubala’s side greater intensity and they were quicker into challenges for the remainder of the opening period, although they struggled to turn promising moves into clear chances.
Wolves started the second half on the front foot in front of their travelling supporters and went close to an equaliser in the 57th minute. Rodrigo Gomes, who had just replaced Marshall Munetsi after Munetsi required treatment for a head injury before the interval, broke through the middle but hesitated before shooting. Cam Pring made an excellent recovery tackle to deny him.
Collins then kept out a low effort from Rafiki Said in the 61st minute, before smothering Armstrong’s attempt from the rebound.
Four minutes later, the Bristol City goalkeeper parried a downward header from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde after the midfielder met a Kieran Trippier corner.
City remained a threat on the counter-attack, prompting Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto to make three substitutions in the 73rd minute. Mateus Mane, Neave and Tommy Doyle replaced Said, Fer Lopez and Bellegarde.
The changes eventually changed the match. In the 82nd minute, Trippier volleyed a cross from the right into the area. Armstrong’s first-time effort was saved, but Neave reacted quickest to score from the rebound.
Wolves completed the turnaround six minutes later. Ladislav Krejci headed another Trippier set-piece across the face of goal, allowing Neave to nod in from close range for his second goal.
Bristol City had late attempts from Dom Ballard and Tolaj, but could not find an equaliser.
Wolves were worthy winners for the pressure they applied after the interval, although the result was harsh on Bristol City, who defended with determination for long periods.
Skubala made two changes to the team that won 3-2 at Bolton, bringing Sam Bell and Twine into the starting line-up after both had begun that match on the bench. Wolves made one change, with Bellegarde replacing the injured Jordan James.
