Wanderers weren’t at their best but managed to grind out a 2-1 victory against Port Vale at the UniBol.

The visitors went in front through Ellis Harrison inside the opening 10 minutes, but Victor Adeboyejo got the Whites back on level terms.

Josh Sheehan scored the winner with a pinpoint strike from outside the box, with James Trafford also making a couple of important stops at the other end.

Adeboyejo off the mark

The striker has had to be patient for his first Bolton goal but kept his cool to head home from close range.

Adeboyejo also set up Sheehan’s winner minutes later, and his hold-up play caused the Vale defence plenty of problems.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a prolific first half of the season at Burton, scoring 13 times in all competitions for the Brewers.

He will now be keen to push on for the Whites and keep contributing in the final third during the final months of the campaign.

Big saves from Trafford

The visitors had some good chances in the first half, but Manchester City loanee Trafford was on the top of his game.

The England Under-21 international made a fine stop early on to deny Harrison after Luke Mbete lost his footing.

Trafford also did well to keep out Ben Garrity’s effort on the stroke of half time after some good work by Aaron Donnelly.

The goalkeeper was unlucky to concede at home for the first time since December 2 but can take pride from that run.

Williams makes his mark

Randell Williams returned to the side and repaid Ian Evatt’s faith with an assist for Adeboyejo’s equaliser.

The former Hull man has shown glimpses of what he is capable of in the final third since his arrival at the UniBol.

However, the 26-year-old’s progress was set back when he spent a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.

The battle at left wing-back could be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, with Declan John also putting in some impressive performances.

Strength in numbers

Adeboyejo and Shola Shoretire were both cup-tied for the win in midweek, but the pair came back into the side against Vale.

Kyle Dempsey also returned to action, while Southampton loanee Dan Nlundulu came off the bench for the final half hour.

Moreover, George Thomason is yet to feature following a spell out of action and George Johnston has stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury.

Wanderers’ strength in depth is returning, and Evatt will hope to benefit from having more options to choose from heading into the business stage of the season.