Tottenham Hotspur vs Sheffield United: 'We are still in the game,' says Blades manager Nigel Clough after creditable defeat

The visitors were beaten by a late Andros Townsend penalty in Capital One Cup semi-final first leg

Nigel Clough was pleased with the performance, if not with the result of the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg (Getty Images)

Nigel Clough backed the Bramall Lane crowd to roar Sheffield United on towards Wembley after his side emerged with a creditable 1-0 defeat in their Capital One Cup semi-final first leg tonight.

Only a late Andros Townsend penalty separated the sides, with Sheffield United's players matched in passion and intensity by their travelling fans.

“We are still in the game,” Clough said afterwards. “You heard the noise 4,000 fans made here tonight and there will be 24,000 of them next week.”

Clough was pleased with the performance, if not with the result, even though the tie is still very open.

“We made it as uncomfortable for Spurs as we could,” said Clough, who has mastered giant-killing this season. “They found it difficult to break us down. We could have created more but i was pleased overall. We would have taken the result if you'd offered us it before the game. But we're disappointed because we played well.”