Leyton Orient 0 Sheffield United 1: Blackman earns Blades victory

Danny Wilson was forced to make one change to the side which beat Hartlepool United last time out.

Neill Collins was ruled out injured, so in came Marcus Williams for the Blades.

Neither goalkeeper was really extended in a lacklustre first-half.

But Blades striker Blackwell collected a pass on 59 minutes, before curling a 25-yard left-foot shot past home keeper Ryan Allsop’s outstretched arm.

The visitors then dictated, but needed a brilliant save by George Long to deny Kevin Lisbie’s header.

Teenage keeper Long had come on in the 11th minute for Blades number one Mark Howard, who slipped taking a goal-kick and had to be stretchered off.

The Blades stay third in League One as a result of their third straight away win - and their second in four days, following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Hartlepool.

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade said: “They were the best side we’ve played this season. You’ve only got to look at their record to know they’re a difficult side to beat.

“It was always going to be a tight affair and that’s what it turned out to be.

“We lost to a good side and arguably we deserved to lose the game.”

Nick Blackman hit a stunning second-half matchwinner against Orient at Brisbane Road to maintain Sheffield United’s unbeaten start to the season.