Plenty of headlines - not many of them positive - have been made by the off-field problems at Bolton and Bury this summer.

What is it like to be caught up in the crossfire at two clubs in crisis? And how has the situation reached breaking point at two historic English Football League clubs who are just 12 miles away from each other?

A day before the start of the Championship season, Swansea City have sold last season's top scorer Oli McBurnie to Premier League newcomers Sheffield United.

They've made a few quid though, with the Blades paying a club record fee of £20m for the striker...

Best of all, Sonny Bradley didn't score a single goal last season, in 50 games.

Already off the mark with a Goal of the Season contender.

Right, let's have a look at a few other bits and bobs from the EFL on the cusp of tomorrow's near-full programme.

Sublime = Sonny Bradley's goal. Scorching stuff from the edge of the box on the half-volley.

Ridiculous = Britt Assombalonga's daisy-cutter seemingly spooking Simon Sluga, who allowed it to pass through him like a dodgy curry.

Still, what a game.

Image source, Rex Features

Goodness me what a start. We've had it all. Thumping volleys, curling crosses, powerful headers and glancing blows.

Luton went behind, fought back to lead and were pegged back again. Middlesbrough look threatening, but have equally been worked over.

It's been all you'd want and then some from a season's opener. Making up for three months without the EFL in some style.

Phew.

Flurry of corners for Boro in added time at the end of the half.

Can they make one count? No, as Simon Sluga's punch away is hooked over the top by Paddy McNair. Might be the last meaningful act of the opening 45.

Luton midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu has been 'rocks and diamonds' tonight, at times brilliant and at times sketchy.

He's been mugged again in midfield and responds by dragging down Paddy McNair.

Free-kick for Boro... Lewis Wing's free-kick deflects behind.

Image source, PA Media

Edging towards half-time here and it's been 100 mph rip-roaring fun.

Neither side has opted to take the sting out and slow it down, it's a proper slugfest.

Love it.

Marvin Johnson hoys in a cross and it's nodded away by Sonny Bradley. Boro foiled again.

James Collins does well on the left to dig out a cross to the back-post which is begging to be hit but Callum McManaman just doesn't get the connection and it shears into the away end to no danger.

Big chance from Middlesbrough, as out of nothing Croatian goalkeeper Simon Sluga is at full stretch to tip away a curling, swerving effort from Marvin Johnson from 18 yards.

He's looked sharp on debut here. Record transfer of course, as we were saying in the build-up.

Image source, PA Media

Luton do seem to have Middlesbrough a bit spooked, the variety of set-pieces and the frequency of set-pieces have unnerved their defensive contingent at times.

Boro need to find some rhythm, they've not been able to keep hold of the ball enough to move downfield, and their midfield - having enjoyed some early dominance - is now largely playing chase-ball.

Lewis Wing flights a delicious ball into the Luton box from the right-hand side after some patient Boro build-up, but Luton win a free-kick for the foul by Britt Assombalonga as he sought to fashion some space.

Then, at the other end, Callum McManaman is scythed down on the edge of the box to win a free-kick. Luton seeking a third.

Middlesbrough's frustrations show as Ryan Shotton swings a pass into touch, much to the mirth of the home support.

However, Luton are still wary of the quality in Boro's ranks, particularly as Britt Assombalonga keeps looking to get in behind.

Luton made a habit of using their wide players to dictate the play last season and it's been the case again this season despite losing Jack Stacey and James Justin to top-flight clubs last summer.

Andrew Shinnie and Dan Potts, and Calum McManaman and Martin Cranie on either flank have really stretched the game and ensured Boro - whose formation can be a bit narrow - have to pull wide to cover.

It's a game-plan which is working right now.

Image source, Rex Features

Marc Woodward: Not going to lie, wasn't expecting this game to have so much energy. Luton look good.

Stuie Neale: Great game so far.

It's been a great opening 25 minutes to the EFL season - let's hope it keeps up!

Middlesbrough lump the ball up to their attackers and the second ball falls to Paddy McNair, whose shot sears toward goal but is deflected wide.

Another whipped effort from Marvin Johnson is cleared. Then Luton break...

Calum McManaman tries to put Elliot Lee in but it's a bit too quick.

Proper tussle.

Here's your chance to rate the player in tonight's Championship opener... some players already staked a claim.

The Luton goal has geed up Boro, and Marvin Johnson cuts inside after a nice bit of hold-up play but his low drive is easily smothered by Simon Sluga.

Cor, this game is rolling at a lick.