By Russell Barder

David Carney (centre) celebrates after scoring the winner

David Carney's first-half goal secured Championship side Sheffield United's passage to the FA Cup fourth round at the expense of Premier League Bolton.

Carney struck the only goal of the game three minutes before the break, coolly slotting past keeper Ali Al Habsi.

Luton Shelton headed over from six yards, while Bolton were restricted to only a few chances.

They rallied late on, with Danny Guthrie testing Paddy Kenny, but the Blades clung on for victory.

Interview: Sheffield Utd scorer David Carney

Reported Chelsea target Nicolas Anelka was among seven regulars left out by Bolton manager Gary Megson, while Tamir Cohen was handed his Wanderers debut.

It was the home side who were first to threaten in a lacklustre opening as Daniel Braaten headed well over from El Hadji Diouf's cross, before the Norwegian saw his goal-bound effort blocked after Diouf's deflected shot fell into his path.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Sheffield United's win at Bolton

Shelton should have give the Blades the lead 10 minutes before half-time but the Jamaican striker somehow missed out.

However, a few minutes later Australian international Carney raced on to an excellent through-ball from Stephen Quinn and calmly avoided the on-rushing Al Habsi for his first goal of the season.

Bolton started the second half brightly but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

Braaten scuffed his shot when well-placed and Danny Guthrie's effort from distance was pounced on at the second attempt by Paddy Kenny.

Guthrie again shot from distance but saw his shot from Braaten's low cross deflected wide, while for United Jonathan Stead blazed over.

Bolton searched for an equaliser late on, but Lubomir Michalik saw his effort deflected wide and not even the presence of Al Habsi venturing forward could prevent Bolton from being knocked out.

Bolton: Al Habsi, Hunt (Dzemaili 46), Andrew O'Brien (Meite 78), Michalik, Cid, Guthrie, Joey O'Brien, Cohen, Giannakopoulos, Diouf (Wilhelmsson 64), Braaten.
Subs Not Used: Bogdan, Teymourian.

Booked: Cohen, Cid, Diouf.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary (Gillespie 75), Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Stephen Quinn, Montgomery, Hendrie (Sharp 73), Carney, Shelton (Hulse 73), Stead.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti.

Booked: Stead, Armstrong.

Goals: Carney 42.

Att: 15,286

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Sheffield United's Derek Geary 7.83 (on 90 minutes).