Wanderers came from behind to clinch an important victory at Cambridge, but what did we learn from the contest?

The U’s took an early lead when Sullay Kaikai’s cross-shot took an unfortunate deflection off Eoin Toal and looped into the top corner.

But the Whites hit back in the second half through Paris Maghoma and Carlos Mendes Gomes to secure all three points.

Gomes makes his mark

Mendes Gomes was handed a first league start for Bolton, getting the nod alongside Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in attack.

The 25-year-old made the most of his opportunity, beating Jack Stevens with a sweet volley after a well-timed run.

He also scored an important goal during the 1-1 draw at Northampton earlier this month and will be eager to keep contributing in the final third as the promotion race hots up.

Moreover, Mendes Gomes’ ability to play in the front two provides another option for Ian Evatt while Dion Charles is out injured.

Sheehan on form

Josh Sheehan has been a key figure for the Whites this season and produced another classy display in the middle of the pitch.

The Welshman set up Mendes Gomes’ winner with a sublime ball and was tidy in possession throughout the contest, completing 90 per cent of his 59 passes attempted.

Sheehan’s Bolton team-mates know that if they make the right runs in behind, he has the ability to pick them out.

The midfielder was unfortunate to go into the book after catching Kaikai during the first half but can be very happy with his evening against the U’s.

Coleman calmness

Coleman started in goal again, with Nathan Baxter sidelined by a wrist injury, and delivered an assured performance between the sticks.

There was nothing he could do about the Cambridge goal after a wicked deflection, but the goalkeeper responded well with a smart stop to deny Danny Andrew.

Perhaps the most important part of his game against the U’s was how he dealt with crosses – making good decisions to come off his line and take pressure away from his defence.

It was the 28-year-old’s fourth league appearance for the Whites and he will only improve with more game time under his belt.

Making games in hand count

Wanderers are in a strong position in the League One table, but nothing is a given when it comes to games in hand.

That is why it was important that the Whites made the most of their opportunity to close the gap on Portsmouth and Derby.

Evatt’s side are now level on points with the Rams despite having played a game fewer at this stage of the campaign.

The gap is also down to six points to leaders Pompey with two games in hand, and John Mousinho’s side have to travel to the Toughsheet Community Stadium in April.

Wanderers will be keen to keep building momentum but things aren’t about to get any easier, with a couple of tough away fixtures coming up against Blackpool and Wigan.