Bolton Wanderers 0 Sheffield Utd 1:David Carney steered Sheffield United past Bolton on Saturday and into today's fourth round draw.

It was the Australian winger's first goal for the club and a vital one at that. Carney (24), was an unlikely hero on his return to a Championship team low on numbers and confidence because of injuries and poor results.

In his second spell in English football, he showed a cool head in the 42nd minute to drill a low shot beyond Ali Al Habsi following a glorious through-ball from Stephen Quinn.

Carney arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer via Everton, Oldham, Hamilton, Halifax and his native Sydney.

While he was all smiles, Bolton manager Gary Megson was scowling after his team's first home defeat since he took charge.

Bolton had most of the possession in the first half and Daniel Braaten could have got a couple of goals.

Luton Shelton should have made the breakthrough for United after 35 minutes but headed over the bar after Lee Hendrie had flicked on a cross from Chris Armstrong.

Carney then made the breakthrough, but the home side hit back and Danny Guthrie tested Kenny in the 51st minute and the goalkeeper spilled his effort. But he recovered in time to prevent Stelios Giannakopoulos taking advantage in the six-yard area.

With Bolton making so many changes - Nicolas Anelka and Kevin Davies were both absent - they struggled throughout to knit together as a unit in front of a crowd of 15,286.

Jon Stead almost added a second for United in the 75th minute but cleared the bar with his effort from a good position.