On 18th October 1983 the Blades lost their Third Division tie 2-0 at Orient but more than made up for it with a 6-3 win at Bramall Lane later in the season. In recent years the Blades have made the trip to London – that was in the FA Cup under the leadership of Kevin Blackwell.
It was an experience that many fans won’t forget – the initial game had been called off due to severe snow just hours from kick-off with the majority of the visiting supporters stood outside the ground; it was a wasted journey.
When the game eventually arrived in January 2009 United capped a safe passage into the next round, winning 4-1 despite going into the second half a goal behind.
They faced stiff opposition in their previous outing at Preston North End on Wednesday night, winning 4-2 in dramatic fashion. Much praise must go to Billy Clarke who on his United debut unselfishly set up all four goals which came with braces from winger Matt Phillips (4 & 39 minutes) and midfielder Lee Williamson (74 & 84).
Goals from Clarke Carlisle (29) and Iain Hume (63) pegged the Blades back to a 2-2 draw until former Deepdale loanee Williamson twice found the net.
Blades boss Danny Wilson will be without Chris Morgan (knee), Andy Taylor (knee) and Johannes Ertl (knee) are all sidelined through injury ahead of our clash in East London tomorrow.
Orient, whose last match action ended in a 1-0 win last Saturday against Bury will be looking to continue their fine form which has seen them win their previous three fixtures after starting the season terrible.
The defeat to the Shakers put the O’s 21st in the league, occupying the last relegation spot with Brisbane boss Russell Slade facing a keeper crisis with Ben Alnwick (groin), David Button and Jamie Jones (both shoulder) all out through injury. Alnwick – on loan from Tottenham Hotspur was on trial with the Blades during the summer.
They could also be without defenders Ben Chorley (thigh) and Jimmy Smith (also thigh), whilst French striker Jonathan Tehoue (broken wrist) is a long term injury. Meanwhile midfielder Matthew Spring is likely to face his former club.
:: Head-to-Head ::
|
venue |
p |
w |
d |
l |
gf |
ga |
|
Bramall Lane |
12 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
26 |
18 |
|
Brisbane Road |
13 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
21 |
20 |
|
Total |
25 |
11 |
5 |
9 |
47 |
38 |