Sheffield Wednesday 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2

Even though Wolverhampton Wanderers are still hung-over from their mauling by Reading on Boxing Day, they were more than good enough to dispatch a Sheffield Wednesday side in the relegation zone and without a goal in six games.

But Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle will know that his side will have to lift their game against stiffer opposition if they are to be in the shake-up next May.

A goal in each half was enough to decide this affair devoid of grace as Wolves rolled up their sleeves to register a result which was of more significance than the performance.

Hoddle called on his side to make amends for their Reading defeat and his words seemed to have an effect as they forced three corners inside the first five minutes.

After only two minutes Joleon Lescott rose unmarked from Darren Anderton's corner only to see his header cleared from just in front of the goalline by Owls midfielder Steve Adams.

Wolves had not lost a game at Hillsborough since 1964 and their opening barrage seemed to suggest their intent on maintaining that record.

The omens remained good as Hoddle's side continued to dominate proceedings but they were given a timely reminder not to be complacent midway through the first half. A free kick was punched clear by goalkeeper Stefan Postma and the ball fell to Chris Eagles, on loan from Manchester United, who fired wide.

But just as Wolves appeared to be running out ideas they scored in the 33rd minute. A fierce cross from Lee Naylor was only cleared to George Ndah who set up Anderton to fire home from close range.

The game, which had lacked fizz and intensity, suddenly burst into life and Wolves had to withstand an immediate response from the home side.

Postma was twice called into action within a couple of minutes. Firstly he had to save smartly low down from Eagles and then he acrobatically turned a shot away from Burton O'Brien.

Wolves continued to live dangerously and were relieved to see a Graham Coughlan header come back off the post and to safety.

After the interval substitute Chris Brunt had a fierce shot for the home side which flashed just over the bar and O'Brien squandered a gilt-edged chance by blasting over from close range.

But Wolves increased their lead in the 62nd minute when substitute Kenny Miller - on for Ndah - pounced on confusion in the Owls defence to poke home from close range.

With the points safe, Hoddle, no doubt mindful of the busy programme ahead, used all his substitutes and this meant a return to action for Paul Ince, who last played in August.

With Wednesday pushing forward in an attempt to salvage something, Wolves had several chances to increase their lead. In the dying moments Miller was denied by keeper Nicky Weaver.