Sheffield United have opened up a 1-0 lead at the break against fellow League One outfit Leyton Orient in the third round of the League Cup.

It took Sheffield United just two minutes to break the deadlock at Brisbane Road as Michael Higdon rose above the home side's defence to head home from eight yards.

That early opener brought a positive response from Orient, but Jobi McAnuff and Jay Simpson failed to test Blades goalkeeper Mark Howard with a couple of strikes from distance.

The Blades replied through a mazy run from Jamie Murphy, but after he had cut inside onto his right foot, his well-struck effort was easily saved from 20 yards.

As the half neared a conclusion, Sheffield United began to sit deeper, but after a David Mooney effort had missed the target, the visitors were able to hold on to a slender advantage.