Two saves from Lukas Jensen in the penalty shootout sent City into the third round of the Carabao Cup at the expense of Premier League side Sheffield United.

Jensen saved from Louie Marsh and Benie Traore, as the Imps triumphed 3-2 after battling to a goalless draw at Bramall Lane.

It was an even start in South Yorkshire as the Imps kept their form to prevent any threatening attack from Sheffield United in the early stages, with Ollie Norwood’s audacious effort from his own half the closest two sides, right from the start.

City’s first shot on target came in the 23rd minute as Jack Burroughs’ long throw into the box was recycled by Ali Smith who passed it to Reeco Hackett whose curling effort was easily saved by Adam Davies.

The Blades responded with a spell of possession which saw the ball fall to Oli McBurnie just inside the area who composed himself to send a low effort at goal which was bravely blocked by Jaden Brown.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side looked to take control of the match after the break and created a fine chance in the 52nd minute as Louis Marsh’s ball towards Cameron Archer was struck low and pushed away by a strong hand from Lukas Jensen.

Ted Bishop got the City fans going in the 58th minute with a forward run from the halfway line, although his low effort was blocked by a well-placed John Egan.

Bishop had another chance a few minutes later after Mandroiu tried to pass him past from the edge of the box, but the midfielder’s effort down the stretch went wide of the target.

The Blades almost took the lead with around 20 minutes to go as Adam Jackson’s final block following Femi Seriki’s delivery almost found the net before John Egan’s header from the wide free-kick from Ollie Norwood bounces away from the post.

The hosts kept up the pressure in the closing stages as they looked for a winner, but the Imps held on and managed to keep the score scoreless before the penalty shootout.

Two shootout saves from Jensen in front of a sold-out crowd helped City advance and draw at home to West Ham United in the third round.

Sheffield United: Adam Davies, Auston Trusty, Chris Basham, Oli McBurnie (Benie Traoré 46′), Cameron Archer (Will Osula 63′), John Egan ©, Ollie Norwood, Ismaila Coulibaly, Jayden Bogle (Femi Seriki 63′), Yasser Larouci (Jili Buyabu 63′), André Brooks (Louis Marsh 46′). Substitutes (not used): Wes Foderingham, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Anis Slimane.

Imps: Lukas Jensen, Jaden Brown (Lasse Sorensen 66′), Ethan Erhahon ©, Reeco Hackett (Ethan Hamilton 80′), Ali Smith (Jovon Makama 80′), Danny Mandroiu, Jack Burroughs, Ben House (Ted Bishop 46′), TJ Eyoma, Sean Roughan (Adam Jackson 66′), Alex Mitchell. Substitutes (not used): Jordan Wright, Dylan Duffy, Oisin Gallagher.

Arbitrator: Paul Tierney.

Presence: 11,040.