The former Oxford United midfielder took just over a minute to break the deadlock as he drilled a 20-yard right-foot shot past the despairing dive of Ian Dunbavin.
Adam Garner and Zema Abbey both went close to extending the lead, before Town lost Peter Atherton to injury with 20 minutes played.
The Shaymen rarely looked like equalising before the interval, but eight minutes into the second period Garner brought down John Grant and Craig Midgley converted from the spot.
Thirteen minutes later the visitors edged in front as Midgley turned provider for former Scarborough forward Chris Senior.
However, just as Chris Wilder's side looked to have done enough to secure the three points, former Town forward Alex Meechan set up Wanless for his second of the game with eight minutes left to play.