Two first-half strikes proved enough for Championship side Sheffield United to defeat Manchester City 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Goals from Luton Shelton and Jon Stead helped the Blades go in at the break 2-0 up, and City never convinced that they could force a replay despite getting back into the game just after the break thanks to a wonder strike from substitute Daniel Sturridge.

The Blades took the lead after only 12 minutes, with a stray Manchester City balloon providing an unlikely assist for the goal.

It came when a great flick from Stead put Lee Martin free down the left, the Manchester United loanee then put in a cross that Michael Ball looked set to clear, however, the City full-back seemed to be distracted by balloon that the ball deflected off, and fresh aired his clearance. That allowed Shelton to sneak in and drill home the opener from close range.

City reacted by piling on the pressure and Elano twice came close to equalising; first he left Paddy Kenny flat footed with a low drive that hit the post, and then he curled a free-kick around the wall that the Irish keeper did very well to save as it had bounced up just in front of him.

However, more horrific defending from City allowed United to go 2-0 in front in the 24th minute.

Derek Geary whipped in a cross, and under pressure from Stephen Quinn and Shelton, City's centre-back partnership of Nedum Onuoha and Richard Dunne made a mess of trying to clear the ball and it only fell as far as Stead who was able to side-foot home.

City then quickly started running out of ideas in their bid to get back into the game and Elano was sacrificed for Sturridge at the half-time.

The youngster made an instant impact after the break though as he controlled a corner at the back post and then volleyed home a superb strike to reduce the deficit.

However, City could not push on after that goal and failed to create any meaningful chances before the end.

Sheffield United's brave defenders deserve immense credit too, as they were throwing their bodies at everything to secure a result that will be massive boost for their beleaguered boss Bryan Robson.

The result means that there will be no fourth round replays, and also ensures that there will only be six Premier League sides in the last 16 draw.

Seán Fay / Eurosport