Enda Stevens (left) created Sheffield United's third goal in an impressive away win
Bolton Wanderers' unbeaten start to the Championship season ended as Sheffield United climbed five places up the table with an impressive away victory.
Mark Duffy swept home Chris Basham's pass after only five minutes, and the visitors doubled their lead when Kieron Freeman's cross was dummied by Leon Clarke and went in off the post.
The hosts, who started the day in third place, saw captain David Wheater's shot cleared off the line by Clarke just before half-time.
Within moments of the restart United substitute David McGoldrick almost made it three with a 30-yard volley that was tipped over the bar by Wanderers keeper Ben Alnwick.
But midfielder John Fleck sealed the points for Chris Wilder's men when he converted Enda Stevens' low cross into the box.
United forward Billy Sharp raced on to a long ball ahead of Wheater and rolled his shot just wide of the post, while Bolton midfielder Sammy Ameobi's long-range effort went over the bar.
United, who have now won consecutive away league matches for the first time since September 2017, go level with Derby County and Blackburn on nine points. They host Aston Villa next.
Phil Parkinson's Wanderers stay third before next Saturday's trip to Preston North End.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: "We started slowly and we got punished for that. We have been gritty and resilient at the start of the season but we were really loose in that first 20 minutes and got punished for it.
"Some of the play was good but the players didn't stick to their roles and responsibilities as they have done so far this season. It's a good lesson for us because we got punished.
"The lads have been terrific so far this season to give us 10 points from five games. We're not going to get too down. We're disappointed but we'll regroup on Monday morning."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: "We're moving forward nicely. It was really important we got the first goal and we should have scored after two minutes but to get a goal and double it up gave them a big problem and it's been a good afternoon.
"I don't want us to be a spike side - win two and then think we can afford to have a day off. No days off if we want to achieve something.
"I felt it's been building - we had a really good week of training and full credit to the payers. We have to keep it up now and we've got nothing to lose next weekend at Villa."
