Facing the first of two home games in quick succession against teams struggling at the foot of League Two, Northampton remained calm throughout in the face of Tranmere’s dogged resistance and were rewarded with Ryan Cresswell’s goal 18 minutes from time.
Three points earned means the Cobblers are now just a similar amount away from a play-off place and Wilder was a satisfied manager afterwards.
“We had to work really hard for the win today and it wasn’t over until the final whistle,” he told the official club website.
Ricky Holmes was forced off with a knee injury but Wilder is hopeful that the winger has not suffered a serious knock.
Carlisle United make the journey to Sixfields on Tuesday night having earned a precious away point at York on Saturday.
That game ended goalless, pointing the way perhaps for the time of match the Cobblers faithful can expect against the Cumbrians.
“It was a day for people to stand their ground and not take a backward step. I thought we did that very well,” said manager Keith Curle afterwards.
Carlisle’s best opportunity at Bootham Crescent came from a set-piece and an interesting piece in local newspaper The News & Star before the trip to York highlights some of the work that Curle does with his players in that regard.