Johnnie Jackson's last-minute strike earned Chris Powell's side a crucial three points in their battle to avoid the drop to League One, moving them to within one point of safety with three games in hand over Millwall immediately above them.
Their day will only have been soured by the news that the two teams below them, Barnsley and Yeovil Town, also enjoyed 1-0 victories.
Jim O'Brien's fourth-minute goal earned Danny Wilson's Barnsley the points against Millwall, while James Hayter struck from the penalty spot as Yeovil overcame Doncaster Rovers to end a five-match winless league run.
Derby County kept the pressure up on Sean Dyche's side with a late 1-0 win over Bournemouth, Chris Martin's 85th-minute winner proving the difference, while leaders Leicester City continued their seemingly unstoppable march to the title with a routine 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Nigel Pearson's side remain eight points clear after goals from Jamie Vardy, David Nugent and Chris Wood extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches.
