Warrington Wolves produced five unanswered second half tries to overcome a spirited Wakefield side at Belle Vue.
A hat-trick from Ryan Atkins and two tries each from the returning Stefan Ratchford and Chris Riley ensured Wolves' victory looked comfortable on the scoresheet, after the strugglers caused a scare by getting to half time level at 12-12.
Warrington's win moved them back to within a point of Wigan at the top of Stobart Super League and left Wakefield scrapping at the bottom of the table.
The home side started well and deservedly took a shock early lead through a Frankie Mariano try, but it was quickly levelled by Atkins' first score.
And when Chris Riley went over in the corner for the first of his two tries it looked as though Tony Smith's men would take control.
But Wakefield were producing some entertaining sets and refused to lie down, having two scores ruled out, before drawing level through Steve Southern seven minutes before half time.
The second half started in a similar vein, but Warrington's defence stood firm, and when Ratchford raced over to regain the visitors' lead there would be no way back for Richard Agar's men.
Ratchford made an immediate impact following 11 weeks out with a damaged shoulder.
The former Salford man was picked ahead of veteran stand-off Lee Briers, and fully justified his inclusion as he put the result beyond doubt in the 62nd minute with his second try.
The closing stages were somewhat of a procession for the title contenders, as they ran in a further three tries which saw former Wakefield centre Atkins complete his hat trick.