Saints put to the sword

Cape Town - There was a shock in the League cup quarter-final on Tuesday as misfiring English Premiership side Southampton crashed out after losing 1-0 to third-tier Sheffield United at a raucous Bramall Lane.

After a promising start to the season, Southampton have lost their last four league games and their dismal run continued as Marc McNulty's 63rd-minute goal sent Nigel Clough's side into the last four.

McNulty bundled home after Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster fumbled Bob Harris's fierce free-kick and the visitors finished with 10 men after Florin Gardos was sent off for hauling down McNulty.

It is the second season in succession that United have reached the last four of a major tournament, following their run to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.

Beleaguered Liverpool face a tricky assignment at Championship leaders Bournemouth on Wednesday, while Tottenham Hotspur host Newcastle United in the only all-Premier League tie of the round.