A goal from Kevin Davies condemned Sheffield United - the club the striker supported as a boy - to a 1-0 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.

Davies got the winner 10 minutes from time with a superb finish following a clever little ball from Nicolas Anelka.

It was Bolton's first win in five matches and Allardyce could hardly hide his delight.

He said: "I was wondering whether the goal was going to come or not.

"Their goalkeeper had made some brilliant saves but it was a terrific strike into the bottom corner.

"It had to be that good to beat him as he was making saves left, right and centre.

"Davies has to take a lot of credit as the goal settled us down."

Davies had earlier been denied by Kenny, the goalkeeper saving with his legs.

The Sheffield United shot-stopper also reacted superbly to turn over a volley from Nicky Hunt and El-Hadji Diouf's effort.

Allardyce was pleased at the way his team showed patience against a United side, now only one point from safety following Charlton's victory.

"It feels like an age since we last got three points," he said.

"The lads showed great attitude and were very patient. We got what we deserved and are back on track.

"I hope we can go on a winning streak now over the next two or three games which we have done in the past.

"If we can do that they we have a chance of securing a UEFA Cup place.

"For the moment, though, we are just pleased to get this victory and we can relax over the weekend."

United manager Neil Warnock is convinced they can remain in the Barclays Premiership for a second season despite the defeat.

He believes they will get enough points from four home games against Newcastle, West Ham, Watford and Wigan to cement their place in the top flight.

Warnock said: "I do not see any reason why we should feel down. We were supposed to finish below Watford according to the bookies.

"We have a great chance of staying up - we are good enough at Bramall Lane to get more points on the board.

"Looking at the fixtures, you would have settled for the games we have got left and the position we are in.

"It is not Charlton or West Ham or anyone else that will keep us up, it will be Sheffield United. If we do not stay up it will be our own fault.

"We are not going to give up our position in the Premiership without fighting to the end.

"We might be limited but we gave it a good shot today."

Michael Tonge and Mikele Leigertwood both came close for United before Davies' winner.

Warnock added: "We showed good spirit and while it is disappointing to lose you have to give Davies credit. It was a great goal."