England striker Kevin Davies confesses Bolton's FA Cup relief

City had the better chances against their Premier League hosts prior to Davies opening the scoring on 83 minutes.

Sweden striker Johan Elmander then added a flattering second goal in the closing stages but Davies, who won his first Three Lions cap in October against Montenegro, believed that the non-League Minstermen were entitled to be disappointed not to have got a result at the Reebok Stadium. He said: “At one stage, it looked like we would be going to York for a replay.

“They also had a chance to perhaps win the game before our goals and we are just relieved to have gone through. They gave us a tough time and will be going home disappointed.”

Like Davies and Elmander, Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor was also hauled off the bench as concerned home boss Owen Coyle turned to his established stars in the second half of Saturday’s third round tie.

Taylor provided the cross for Elmander’s goal and, having played at York in the past for previous club Luton, admitted that the top-flight team were glad to have avoided a midweek replay at Bootham Crescent. He said: “ I wouldn’t have fancied going there. It would have been a very tricky game so I’m pleased we finished the tie at home.”

Taylor also added that City made light of the supposed difference in class between Blue Square Bet Premier sides and top-flight teams, saying: “I wasn’t surprised with how York played in any shape or form. I was expecting a tough game and was under no illusions about how difficult it would be.

“When you come to a Premier League team as a lower-league side, it’s your Cup final. You want to go out and perform and they did that so full credit to them but I don’t think the gulf was as big as some people might have expected.

“They had some great chances and ultimately the game comes down to putting the ball in the back of the net. They played really well and we wish them all the best for the rest of their campaign.”