Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell felt his side shot themselves in the foot against Bolton and that Wanderers' winning goal was offside.
Wanderers travelled to Cheshire aiming to narrow the gap to the top six and keep their faint play-off hopes alive.
In a first half which was scrappy in windy conditions at Gresty Road, Wanderers improved after the break and Dapo Afolayan struck the post as the visitors looked more likely to score.
