A stunning solo strike from the in-form George Ndah - his eighth goal in nine games - stepped up Wolves' promotion push with a win over Preston at Deepdale.
In the 53rd minute Ndah ran from midway inside his own half and, as the Preston defence backed off, he unleashed a shot from 18 yards which nestled into the bottom corner.
Defender Paul Butler, who recovered from bruised ribs to take his place in the starting line-up, nearly made it two with half an hour remaining, but his header was well saved by Preston goalkeeper Jonathan Gould.
But Kenny Miller did secure three more valuable points for Wolves with a second seven minutes from time, scoring for the seventh successive game.
Adam Proudlock, on the pitch only a matter of minutes, whipped in a cross and Miller was on hand to score his ninth goal in seven games - and 15th of the season.
The win enabled Dave Jones' side to stretch their impressive new year run to just one defeat in 10 league and cup games, while Preston's three-game unbeaten
run came to an end.
Preston were the better of the sides in the first half and Greek striker George Koumantarakis should have done better with a header from Graham Alexander's cross in the fourth minute.
They nearly scored again soon afterwards and it needed a fine save from Matt Murray to prevent Eddie Lewis from netting for the third successive game.
Murray was called into action again four minutes later, this time denying Koumantarakis, and Paul McKenna, who replaced Dickson Etuhu in the side, shot wide as the hosts enjoyed a fine spell of pressure.
But Wolves stood firm and produced a fine second-half display to keep their play-off bandwagon rolling.
Preston: Gould, Alexander, Jackson, Lucketti, Edwards, Cartwright, O'Neil, McKenna, Lewis, Cresswell, Koumantarakis. Subs: Skora, Lynch, Rankine, Mears, Lucas.
Wolverhampton: Murray, Irwin, Lescott, Butler, Naylor, Rae, Ince, Cameron, Kennedy, Ndah, Miller. Subs: Oakes, Sturridge, Proudlock, Edworthy, Andrews.
Referee: P Danson (Leicestershire).