Bolton Wanderers are now just five points from the League One play-offs after picking up three points at home against Lincoln City.
George Johnston put Bolton ahead after the break after nodding home Aaron Morley's corner in the second half versus Michael Appleton's side.
But the Imps equalised via Cohen Bramall when his shot appeared to take a deflection and get past James Trafford.
READ MORE: 'Frustrates me' - Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton's view on Bolton Wanderers loss and goals
However, a pair of substitutes in the form of Kieran Sadlier and Amadou Bakayoko came off the bench to ensure Wanderers picked up another crucial three points to make it six wins in a row at the University of Bolton Stadium and narrow the gap to the play-offs to five points as the 3-1 victory completed the double this campaign over the Imps.
Wanderers remain 10th in the League One table but have reduced their deficit to the top six thanks to the win and results elsewhere last night going their way.
Here, we analyse the win for Wanderers and look at the ups and downs from a Bolton perspective.
Ups
Sadlier first goal
Sadlier has impressed with the cameo appearances he has made off the bench so far, as well as his first start for Wanderers in the loss on the road to Burton Albion.
And the January transfer window signing from Rotherham United got his first goal in Bolton colours to put his new side back in front against the Imps.
The attacker has largely been used as an impact substitute so far, but more starts will surely be in the offing soon if he continues to make a regular impact off the bench which catches the eye.
Substitutes make an impact off the bench
Wanderers have serious strength in depth in the squad now and that was shown once again against the Imps.
Sadlier came off the bench to put Wanderers back in front, while Dempsey had a promising cameo as a substitute with his burst of pace and vision to tee up Bakayoko for the third strike.
The January transfer window business has not only reinforced the starting XI, but also the bench and it was illustrated once again last night.
Six wins at home in a row
After the 2-0 loss in mid-January against Wycombe Wanderers, Bolton have embarked upon a run of results which has seen them win six games at home on the bounce.
Turning the University of Bolton Stadium into a fortress has seen them rise up the League One table and collect 25 points from the last 30 on offer.
Along with Rotherham United, Wanderers are the form team in League One over the course of the last 10 matches and there will not be many sides enthused about the prospects of playing Ian Evatt's men between now and the end of the campaign.
Play-offs gap down to five points
The gap to the top six stood at seven points prior to kick-off at the University of Bolton Stadium.
At one point owing to Burton Albion beating Sunderland, that was reduced to only four points prior to the Black Cats netting a late equaliser.
But that gap is now five points having been in double figures just a few weeks ago and Wanderers are now within touching distance of the play-offs after working their way into the conversation for the top six as part of the chasing pack.
It will make for a very interesting last couple of months of the season indeed.
Winning when not at best
Wanderers could and probably should have won by a greater scoreline than they did over the weekend in the 4-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
Against Lincoln, a side which on the eye look much better than the 17th place they currently occupy in the League One table, Wanderers had to dig deeper and work hard for their three points, especially afer Bramall levelled in the second half.
Wanderers were perhaps not at their best compared to the performance against the Wombles, but another three points in a busy schedule is always welcome.
Downs
Not keeping a clean sheet
If there was one downside from the night, it was that a clean sheet was not kept as some moments of sloppiness at the back allowed the Imps back into the encounter.
Bramall slipped in without being tracked and it felt like opportunites to stop the former Arsenal youngster before letting his shot fly which deflected off Will Aimson and in were not taken.
Fortunately, Wanderers were able to get back into the encounter and win, but it is another timely reminded how slight lapses in concentration and errors can be swiftly punished in this competitive division.
