Bolton 0 Huddersfield Town 2: Penalty decision an advantage and more things we learned from the win at Macron Stadium

1. Did Bolton pay the penalty?

Huddersfield Town fans had one of the best views in the ground as Nahki Wells was brought down in the box by Prince in the first half and the verdict was unanimous: penalty.

While that view was backed up by video replays, unfortunately it wasn't shared by referee Andy Haines.

But that feeling of injustice helped spark Town into life.

David Wagner's men had made a slow start at Macron Stadium it was the hosts who looked likely to break the deadlock in the opening 25 minutes while Town retreated and struggled to get a foothold in the game.

However, after Wells took his tumble it was a different story. The Terriers grew into the contest and by the time the referee's whistle blew for half time with the game still scoreless they were comfortably on top before going on to deservedly claim all three points after the break.

While the penalty would have been a bigger talking point should Huddersfield have lost, would it necessarily have done them a favour? The memory of Bristol City, when a limp display followed Emyr Huws' missed spot kick , is still fresh in the mind.

2. Defensive reinforcements needed?

Before a ball had been kicked on Saturday the news broke that Murray Wallace had signed for Scunthorpe United in the second move of the January transfer window.

Wagner signalled his intent to move swiftly by bringing back Jed Steer until the end of the season in time for him to take his place between the sticks against the Trotters.

However, by the end of the 90 minutes all three remaining senior centre backs had taken the field - Martin Cranie a late sub after Joel Lynch had partnered skipper Mark Hudson from the start.

It emphasised how short Town now are at the back - and if one of the trio were to get injured or suspended it would leave Wagner with a distinct lack of options.

Will we see a new defender before the end of the window? Or will Wagner turn to youth?

Wales u21 international Joe Wright has been doing well on loan at Accrington and could provide the answer.

However, a dose of leadership and seniority really wouldn't go amiss in the centre of defence and a more experienced head would be welcome before the window slams shut.

3. Wagner continues to sharpen his reflexes

When the boss didn't make a half time change against QPR a week ago, fans were entitled to raise a few eyebrows.

When Jamie Paterson was introduced at the break on Saturday in place of Sean Scannell, it was the third time in the last four games that Wagner has turned to his bench after 45 minutes.

On this occasion, the change solidified Town's attacking impetus that suddenly reappeared after Wells' penalty shout was turned down and the on-loan Forest man made a difference when he came on.

Muzzy Carayol meanwhile made a late entrance for Harry Bunn and scored within minutes of coming on.

It is just the latest example of Wagner's ability to react to the match as it unfolds and change personnel and tactics where necessary. Quick reading of the game continues to be one of the most talked-about qualities the astute German has brought to the Huddersfield hot seat.

He is unafraid to twist early and Town continue to benefit.

4. Town are blessed with a surplus of wingers

Speaking of Carayol, the 27-year-old has been allowed to return to Middlesbrough after Huddersfield decided to use their option to end his loan at the season's halfway stage.

The move comes two days after he sealed the victory in Lancashire with a neat finish after Ben Amos had saved the initial effort from Wells.

But Wagner is convinced he has the wide options to cope without the Boro man and would prefer to work with his own players, with Sean Scannell, Harry Bunn, Joe Lolley and Jamie Paterson all candidates for the postion - and Kyle Dempsey and Duane Holmes also able to slot in.

It's an embarrassment of riches in the position - but might suggest that Wagner has his eye on strengthening in other areas as well.

5. Festive feast

The win against Bolton made it seven points out of nine available since Christmas Day and Town - now 18th in the Championship - climbed seven points clear of the drop zone.

Including the New Year fixture at Macron, the Terriers have won four times since the start of December and added a creditable draw away at Loftus Road, a ground they are yet to win at.

It's been an excellent return for Town and Wagner, and supporters can now stop looking at the league standings from behind their fingers.

After the loss against Leeds in November, which Wagner watched from the stands as caretaker boss Mark Lillis took charge, Town hovered a meagre two points above the red line.

The manager continues to insist winning is nothing special, and it's what he sets out to do each game. While that approach is refreshing on the coaching side, for the fans this certainly is something special.