Our first battles with Leyton Orient began post Second World War in October 1956 with a 3-2 defeat at Bramall Lane in the old Second Division. United sort-out their revenge at Brisbane Road with a 2-1 win later that season. In fact the Blades were to lose their first three meetings with the Orient on home soil before a 4-1 win in January 1961 was enough to secure a first 'home win' and would remain unbeaten at Bramall Lane until 1978..
In January 1983 the Blades beat the O's by three goals to nil and in the further two meetings which have concluded that at the Lane have both ended in victory for the hosts; including the 6-3 win in March 1984. At Brisbane Road things have been different, United went seven games away from home without defeat and are currently three games without defeat in all competitions on that ground. In May 1983, on the final day of the season the O's beat the Blades by four goals to one in front of 4,468 to preserve their Third Division status with the possibility of relegation looming over them. Stewart Houstin netted United's strike whilst Keith Houchen, Peter Kitchen, Kevin Godfrey and Bill Roffey netted for the hosts. The teams that day were; Orient - Day, Roffey, Peach, Cunningham, Gray, Silkman, Godfrey, Cornwall, Houchan, Kitchen, McNeil. Sheffield United - Waugh, Henderson, Charles (Brazil), Richardson, West, Houston, Towner, Trusson, Edwards, Morris, Cooper.
There has been only one meeting between the two clubs in the top flight, this came during the 1962-63 season where United drew 2-2 at bottom of the league Orient before beating them 2-0 at the Lane. Unsurprisingly Orient were relegated whilst United finished seventh.
18 October 1983 - Leyton Orient 2 Sheffield United 0
Sheffield United succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in this Third Division match at Leyton Orient on 18 October 1983. A trip to Brisbane Road hadn't been the happiest for Sheffield United during the six months from May to October 1983 for it was on the final day of the Third Division season when Orient beat the Blades by four goals to one to not only claim victory but secure safety from relegation whilst they would claim maximum points again months later in London when the pair met again.
Their comprehensive victory this time around pushed the O's up the table and set them has early season candidates for promotion and pushed them level on points with the Blades who were amongst the top five in the table. United looked comfortable for the first half of the match and looked set to carry on their fine form, but a defensive error by Tom Heffernan 41 minutes into the game set Orient the lead when made a hash tempted clearance from Cornwall's cross and put the ball straight into the path of McNeil, the winger passed the ball into the box and GODFRAY prodded home past Waugh.
In truth neither side had looked like gaining an advantage until the former Bournemouth defender gifted the hosts the lead. Though Orient had seen a previous attempt by Godfrey's overhead kick sail wide of goal but United's 'long pass' method was providing unsuccessful against a strong wind. The hosts preceded the game in confident fashion once they had gained the lead and goal scorer Godfrey created several chances, a fierce drive from 15 yards brought out the best in Waugh which was even applauded by the referee and in another opportunity Henderson headed off the line.
On 61 minutes the O's claimed their second goal of the night, HOUCHAN produced a solo effort, beating off his marker Stancliffe before firing past Waugh. Two goals down the Blades threw everything at their opposition, winning several corners but unable to find that finishing touch has United returned to South Yorkshire empty handed.
Leyton Orient: Kay, Cornwall, Corbett, Silkman, Cunningham, Hales, Godfray, Foster, Houchan, Roffey, McNeil.
Sheffield United: Waugh, Heffernan, Bolton, Arnott, Stancliffe, Henderson, Morris, Trusson, Edwards, McHale, Charles.
Referee: Taylor (Deal).
13 January 2009 - Leyton Orient 1 Sheffield United 4 (FA Cup)
Four second-half goals saw Sheffield United blitz Leyton Orient and cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Championship side trailed 1-0 at half-time to a JJ Melligan penalty, but came storming back with a double strike from Greg Halford and efforts from Billy Sharp and Kyle Naughton to book a home tie against Charlton Athletic in the next round. League One side Orient, who had only won twice at home this season, started well and had a couple of penalty shouts for fouls on Adam Boyd and Sam Parkin turned down.
But it was third time lucky when Sean Thornton fired in a shot from 20 yards that struck Matthew Kilgallon on the hand and referee Iain Williamson pointed to the spot. Up stepped Melligan, who had taken over the spot-kick duties from Boyd, and he calmly sent keeper Ian Bennett the wrong way. It was the one real opening of a first half high on action but low on chances. But the Championship side stepped up a gear in the second half and settled the game with a deadly three- goal burst in 11 minutes.
On 58 minutes Orient keeper Glenn Morris dropped David Cotterill's corner and Halford hooked the ball home from close range. Four minutes later the Blades took the lead when Darius Henderson sliced open the Orient rearguard and Sharp fired home a precision effort into the corner. Orient tried to respond and Boyd went close, but United killed the game off on 69 minutes. Orient were cut open again after losing possession from a corner and after Morris saved well from Cotterill and Henderson, Naughton fired home.
Twelve minutes from time Orient's misery was complete when Kyle Walker's cross from the right was headed home by Halford and the League One side's dream of a cup shock, which had lasted for an hour, had turned into a nightmare.
22 October 2011 - Leyton Orient 1 Sheffield United 1
Sheffield United looked to have sealed all three points at Leyton Orient yesterday when Chris Porter netted minutes from time, until... Deep into stoppage time a mistake from keeper Steve Simonsen allowed the ball to fall to Kevin Lisbie who finished off the move with a goal. United had taken the lead six minutes before time, Quinn found Ched Evans on the edge of the box, his miss queued shot fell to Kevin McDonald who fired at goal – his shot was saved by Chris Porter was in the right space to tap home his fifth goal of the season.
That looked to be the winner and came as a huge relief to United who had missed chances all afternoon, but six minutes into stoppage time the home side struck when a free-kick swung in by Dean Cox was miss punched by Simonsen as the ball fell kindly to Kevin Lisbie who drilled home past a crowded box to score. It was the second time in a week that the Blades had conceded late from a undefended free-kick – Gary Madine taking advantage the previous Sunday to draw the scores level (2-2) in the Steel City Derby.
On-loan Blackpool striker Bill Clarke, who set up the Blades all four goals against Preston in midweek will feel disappointed that he didn’t put away his chance; in the 43rd minute he headed down Quinn’s cross to the turf and agonisingly watched the ball fly over the bar. Complacency is the key to win matches and may have to be at their best for the visit of MK Dons on Tuesday night.
14 April 2012 - Sheffield United 3 Leyton Orient 1
Sheffield United came from behind to beat Leyton Orient 3-1 to strengthen their grip on second place. Kevin Lisbie put the visitors in front, but goals from Lee Williamson, Michael Doyle and Ched Evans gave the Blades their sixth straight win.
After some early pressure from the home side Orient took a 12th-minute lead when goalkeeper Jamie Jones' clearance found Lisbie, who nipped in ahead of Harry Maguie before firing past home goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. Lisbie dragged a shot wide before Williamson equalised three minutes before the break after Evans had squared to him inside the penalty area. Jones got a hand to his shot, but could not keep the ball out. Doyle found the net with a low drive from around 20 yards in the 54th minute after receiving a short pass from Williamson and the visitors were down to 10 men in the 61st minute when Ryan Dickson was sent-off following a wild challenge on Williamson.
Evans completed the scoring in the 83rd minute after surging into the area and firing past Jones for his 35th goal of the season.
6 October 2012 - Leyton Orient 0 Sheffield United 1
Sheffield United secured there third away win on the trot as a single Nick Blackman goal; his fifth of the season secured a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday. Danny Wilson's Blades have recorded back to back away victories over Yeovil Town (1-0) and Hartlepool United (2-1) and now Leyton Orient to extend there unbeaten run to thirteen league games and fly to third in the table behind Stevenage and first placed Tranmere Rovers - all of which have yet to lose a league game this season.
United were without skipper Neill Collins through injury, with Marcus Williams deputizing and with just over 10 minutes played-out the visitors lost keeper Mark Howard to injury with Academy keeper George Long taking to the field but was able to hold a clean sheet against the Londoners who had recorded just one defeat in six matches. The Blades were on the attack from the start with defender Tony McMahon firing over on his unfavoured left foot and with eleven minutes gone Howard was forced to leave the game with a thigh strain, being strechered off and replaced by Long who was immediately protected by Matt Hill making a timed tackle on Cox.
McMahon was having a good game and fired wide once before before his cross was met by Blackman, but the former Blackburn Rovers striker shot over on 16 minutes. As the first half wore on opportunities dwindled but the home side went close through Smith and Chorley's header following a corner was kicked off the line by Dave Kitson. Before the half-time whistle blew, midfielder Kevin McDonald fell and wasted a good opportunity after being fed by Ryan Flynn and Kitson, on the right fired his shot wide - there was also time for Paul Gallagher to hit a 25 yard effort wide of the mark.
In the second half the Blades once again started brightly and put in a good Brazilian move which involved 20 passes before the move ended in Flynn winning a corner - but on two occasions Blackman was penalized for handball. Before the hour mark had passed United were rewarded for there efforts when a throwing was intercepted by United and Kitson found Blackman in space, he turned and fired a fierce rasping shot into the top corner from 20 yards out; 1-0.
Griffth hit wide in a move that involved Lisbie and Cook as the home side looked to add a response, but the Blades were soon on the attack and on 67 minutes almost doubled their lead - keeper Allsop denying Doyle with both feet as the captain changed after Flynn's ball through. Long made an amazing save with 20 minutes remaining from Lisbie's header, unaware that the former Charltom striker was offside he kept him out and soon afterwards Cook fired a free-kick over. Five minutes were added by the officials with the home side failing to muster an dangerous attack.
26 February 2013 - Sheffield United 0 Leyton Orient 0 (by: Sheffield Star)
Sheffield United were hoping to maintain their position at the top of League One tonight, with Leyton Orient the visitors at Bramall Lane. But with the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town playing, they couldn't afford to take their foot off the gas. The Blades were without striker Jonathan Forte (groin injury.) A similar problem saw Orient midfielder Martin Rowlands miss out. Shaun Batt gave United an early jolt with an effort at goal from outside the box which flashed wide of the right-hand post.
George Long had to make a save when Dean Cox popped into a decent position on six minutes. But United upped the ante with Neill Collins and Dave Kitson taking pot shots. And Dominic Poleon got inside the box to fire just wide. There was a near miss at the other end, when a corner taken by Dean Cox, was headed on by Nathan Clarke, but again wide of the target. Barry Robson was a busy contributor, and it was his corner which led to Harry Maguire having a chance, saved by Jamie Jones.
Dominic Poleon had sight of goal but fired wide on 55 minutes. Seven minutes later, he made way for substitute Callum McFadzean. The Lane fans were getting restive, especially George Long had to make a double save for United again, his third decent stop of the game from close in. With 20 minutes to go, they nearly got their reward, Ryan Flynn hitting the post. Danny Wilson then brought on Diago De Girolamo for Robson.
Sheffield United: Long, Higginbotham, Maguire, Collins, McMahon, Flynn, Doyle, McDonald, Robson, Kitson, Poleon. Substitutes: Coyne Westlake Hill McFadzean Cresswell Ironside De Girolamo.
Leyton Orient: Jones, Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Smith, Odubajo, James, Batt. Substitutes: Grainger, Omozusi, Griffith, Cook, MacDonald, Obafemi, Mooney.
Ref: Phil Gibbs.
30 November 2013 - Leyton Orient 1 Sheffield United 1
A stunning volley from Dean Cox cancelled out a Conor Coady strike to earn Leyton Orient a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United that took the Londoners back to the top of League One. The visitors had shocked their opponents by taking the lead after 67 minutes when shoddy home defending saw the unmarked Coady left with a simple chance to stab the ball into the net from 10 yards. The O's fought back and deservedly levelled when Cox collected a pass from the right and sent a wonderful volley into the net from 20 yards.
Blades goalkeeper George Long had kept his side on level terms before the break with two excellent saves to deny Nathan Clarke and David Mooney had earlier squandered the best chance. Having been put through by midfielder Cox, Orient's leading striker failed to find the target from 12 yards, screwing his effort hopelessly wide of the far post. The visitors offered little in the first half but showed more commitment going forward after the interval as the quality of the game improved with Chris Porter extending Jamie Jones. But it was left to Long to produce the last save of the match when clawing away a Mooney header deep into added time.
5 April 2014 - Sheffield United 1 Leyton Orient 1 (By: Sheffield Star)
Jamie Murphy scored Sheffield United's 7000th league goal this afternoon, to earn a 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient. "If you'd have asked any of their fans at the start of the season whether they'd take being third in the table at this stage of the season," the Sheffield United manager reflected, "then I think it's fair to say that most would have answered yes'." Clough would certainly be happy to swap places having seen his own team's promotion hopes dented by Swindon Town last week.
Nevertheless, the fact that United had entered today's contest even with a mathematical chance of qualifying for the play-offs - something their opponents have already achieved - underlines the rapid progress made at Bramall Lane in a relatively short space of time. After all, when these two clubs last met five months ago, preserving League One status was the only thing on United minds. Freeman, who correctly escaped a red card during Tuesday evening's draw with Brentford, was forced to hack clear from Odubajo in the first minute as Orient started firmly on the front foot while McGinn cleared the resulting corner at the near post. Odubajo was the target of a series of raking passes down the flank during the early exchanges and the full-back, on loan from Derby County, quickly realised he was going to have his hands full.
In the seventh minute, Flynn drove wide of the post after Doyle's superb through ball had sent Porter scampering through. Then, McGinn was close to seizing control eight yards out following another skirmish in the area. Ten minutes after his first sight of goal, Flynn saw a header comfortably saved. Clough, though, will have been pleased to see the opportunity created by Murphy and Freeman who, as their overlap demonstrated, are forging a good understanding along United's left flank.
Odubajo, Orient's most threatening player, dragged wide of Howard's far post following a rare slip by Collins. However, despite plenty of huff and puff, this match had a decidedly low-key air with few explosive moments. Coady saw a 32nd minute appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Jones after being clipped by Cuthbert as he raced to collect a loose ball. The midfielder had taken up increasing advanced positions as the half progressed. Four minutes later, Jones parried Brayford's angled shot away to safety after Omozusi had been caught napping on United's right wing. In the 41st minute, though, Orient took the lead and again Omuzusi was involved after recycling Lundtrum's shot. Lisbie's run appeared to distract United's rearguard and created the space for COX to peel off his marker and slide home from close range in front of The Kop.
Cox, who scored Orient's equaliser when these two teams met in London earlier this term, provided the one telling moment of a first-half which had failed to spark. Slade has fashioned an extremely organised team while United minds seemed to be drifting towards next sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Hull City at Wembley. Brayford saw a powerful first-time strike blocked by an Orient defender before Scougall was introduced at McGinn's expense two minutes before the hour as Clough looked to inject some thrust into United's work. Flynn swept a free-kick, which his industry had won, across Jones' area but none of his colleagues could produce a vital touch. Scougall accepted his brief with relish and, despite being eventually crowded-out, unsettled Orient with a driving dash forward from deep in the 62nd minute. Less than 60 seconds later, Porter made way for Davies and prompting Murphy's switch into a more central role.
It paid an instant dividend when, in the 64th minute, MURPHY levelled. Davies flicked a long ball over the top and the Scottish winger' beat Baudry before rounding Jones and whipping the ball into an empty net. It was United's 7000th league goal. Mooney stepped-off the bench for Orient with Cox making way with 20 minutes remaining. Brayford should have edged Unitedin front after meeting Davies' superb free-kick but glanced his header wide. Odubajo and Scougall were both booked for trips during the closing stages before Davies fired over from distance.
Results
| 27 Oct 1956 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | L | 2-3 | League Division Two |
| 09 Mar 1957 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | W | 1-2 | League Division Two |
| 14 Dec 1957 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | L | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 26 Apr 1958 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | W | 0-1 | League Division Two |
| 18 Oct 1958 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 07 Mar 1959 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | L | 2-3 | League Division Two |
| 24 Oct 1959 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | L | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 17 Mar 1960 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 03 Sep 1960 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | W | 1-4 | League Division Two |
| 14 Jan 1961 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | W | 4-1 | League Division Two |
| 08 Dec 1962 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 26 Apr 1963 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 15 Aug 1970 | Orient v Sheffield United | L | 3-1 | League Division Two |
| 17 Oct 1970 | Sheffield United v Orient | W | 3-1 | League Division Two |
| 20 Nov 1976 | Sheffield United v Orient | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 16 Apr 1977 | Orient v Sheffield United | W | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 26 Dec 1977 | Sheffield United v Orient | W | 2-0 | League Division Two |
| 27 Mar 1978 | Orient v Sheffield United | L | 3-1 | League Division Two |
| 19 Aug 1978 | Sheffield United v Orient | L | 1-2 | League Division Two |
| 11 Nov 1978 | Orient v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 01 Jan 1983 | Sheffield United v Orient | W | 3-0 | League Division Three |
| 14 May 1983 | Orient v Sheffield United | L | 4-1 | League Division Three |
| 18 Oct 1983 | Orient v Sheffield United | L | 2-0 | League Division Three |
| 03 Mar 1984 | Sheffield United v Orient | W | 6-3 | League Division Three |
| 13 Jan 2009 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | W | 1-4 | FA Cup |
| 22 Oct 2011 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 | League One |
| 14 Apr 2012 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | W | 3-1 | League One |
| 06 Oct 2012 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | W | 0-1 | League One |
| 26 Feb 2013 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | D | 0-0 | League One |
| 30 Nov 2013 | Leyton Orient v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 | League One |
| 05 Apr 2014 | Sheffield United v Leyton Orient | D | 1-1 | League One |