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).
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