Tottenham Hotspur have claimed a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final this evening.

The visitors started the game well and their opponents were finding it hard to create any clear-cut chances.

In the first 20 minutes the only major talking point was whether Emmanuel Adebayor should have been sent off for an apparent elbow on Louis Reed, but the referee only brought out a yellow card.

United grew in confidence as the half wore on and Jamal Campbell-Ryce caused a moment of panic in the Spurs defence when his low ball across the box flashed just wide of the far post.

The hosts then created their first real chance of the match as Eric Dier saw his header pushed behind by the keeper.

Adebayor was next to threaten for Spurs when he latched on to Christian Eriksen's ball over the top, but could only lift his effort over the bar.

Five minutes before the break Stefan Scougall had another decent opening for the visitors as he picked off a loose Ben Davies pass, before firing a powerful strike just wide.

After the break, Spurs continued to be frustrated by the League One side, but they finally broke the deadlock in the last 20 minutes.

A handball from Jay McEveley inside the box saw the hosts given a penalty and Andros Townsend made no mistake with a confident finish from the spot.

It proved to be the only goal of the match, leaving Spurs with a slim advantage ahead of next week's second leg at Bramall Lane.