Burnley's slump is now at crisis level after they were condemned to straight defeat number five by improving Wolves.

Lee Naylor's free-kick four minutes from time earned Wolves the points but the visitors created and wasted a number of other scoring opportunities long before the late winner.

A game that promised so much for Burnley when Graham Branch fired them into an eighth minute lead, went horribly wrong and they left the field to a chorus of boos and jeers from disgruntled fans.

Wolves drew level in the 28th minute when Adam Proudlock scored from close range after a four-man move had ripped Burnley's defence apart.

Wolves may well have had a penalty early in the second half when Michael Branch appeared to be floored by Paul Smith.

Burnley's Greek goalkeeper Nik Michopoulos was forced to make some outstanding saves, none better than to keep out a goal-bound header from George Ndah on the stroke of half-time.

Burnley, with three key players suspended, threatened only occasionally as an attacking force, although Ian Moore should have done better than head over from three yards after great work down the right by Mitchell Thomas.

Wolves always looked the more likely winners and the goal they so richly deserved came in strange circumstances four minutes from time.

Naylor's free-kick, tight against the right hand touchline completely deceived a sleeping Burnley defence, the ball going straight through a crowd to find the far corner.

Wolves regrouped well defensively after losing the services of the impressive Ludovic Pollet with what looked to be a serious facial injury mid-way through the second half.

The visitors had far too much for Burnley whose season is fast disintegrating.

Five straight defeats and only one goal in some 360 minutes of First Division action makes for grim reading.

Teams:

Burnley Michopoulos, Thomas, Cox, Weller, Branch, Johnrose (Jepson 87), Armstrong, Mellon, Smith, Payton (Maylett 55), Moore (Mullin 76).

Subs Not Used: Crichton, Brass.

Booked: Cox, Smith.

Goals: Branch 9.

Wolverhampton Oakes, Muscat, Naylor, Pollet (Green 65), Robinson (Emblen 88), Branch, Andrews, Proudlock, Dinning, Ndah (Camara 80), Lescott.

Subs Not Used: Kerr, Osborn.

Goals: Proudlock 28, Naylor 85.

Att: 15,483

Ref: R Furnandiz (Doncaster).