Stevenage win a corner as Kurtis Guthrie's shot is blocked, but they look a beaten side as we approach the 90-minute mark.

Salford are nearly there on their EFL debut.

Now Terence Vancooten takes a flailing arm to the face from a Salford man.

Stevenage also have veteran Tom Soares struggling, having made all three of their subs.

They're in the wars.

Another break in play, the sting keeps being taken out of this one.

This time it's Stevenage skipper Scott Cuthbert requiring treatment, but the hardman will be fine.

Image source, PA Media

We're into the last 10 minutes of normal time at the Peninsula Stadium.

The game has lost its ebb and flow, which may help Stevenage as they look for a lifeline.

Richie Towell - who's on a yellow - makes way for Luke Armstrong, who's on for his Salford debut having signed from Middlesbrough this summer.

Stevenage look a bit more lively now but it's probably too late.

It's the closest Stevenage have come to a goal as Danny Newton's header from a corner it well beaten away by Salford stopper Chris Neal.

He had to get down low for his first save of the afternoon.

A little reminder that there is still time for Stevenage...

Image source, PA Media

Nothing is coming off for Stevenage today.

A quick free-kick attempt is wasted and then at the other end keeper Paul Farman can only find touch with a kick.

Sometimes it's not your day.

Salford make their first substitution - captain Adam Rooney takes applause from the home faithful and is replaced by Jake Beesley.

Not much is happening on the pitch right now, truth be told.

Salford midfielder Richie Towell is being attended to after going down with a niggle.

Both sets of players take the opportunity to take on some fluids on what is a warm August day in the north-west.

Stevenage take the opportunity to make their final change - midfielder Noor Husin replaces teenager Arthur Iontton.

Terence Vancooten makes a promising burst forward for Stevenage but his pass rolls harmlessly out of play.

The game seems to have died a bit as a contest, but if the visitors can start testing Salford keeper Chris Neal maybe that can change.

The Stevenage defenders hold hands as they look to hold a strong line from a Salford set-piece.

A novel approach, but it works on this occasion as the hosts are thwarted.

Stevenage just look that half a yard slower than the EFL new-boys.

Unbelievably Salford right-back Scott Wiseman is still finding space out wide.

He's put in teasing cross after teasing cross but Stevenage still haven't got to grips with him.

They escape this time as Wiseman can't quite get to the ball before it goes out of play for a goal kick.

The ball pops up kindly for Kurtis Gurthrie outside the box, but the Stevenage striker's volley on the turn flies over the bar.

Dino Maamria's side are yet to have a shot on target, which tells its own story.

Image source, PA Media

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe is desperate for his hat-trick - he turns Scott Cuthbert in the box but drags his effort wide of the Stevenage far post.

I'm not sure the visitors have what it takes today to get back into this.

Stevenage boss Dino Maamria made that half-time change - bringing Danny Newton on - but his side have just not got going since the interval.

The home side look rampant now - man of the moment Emmanuel Dieseruvwe gets his head to ANOTHER great Scott Wiseman cross but it's caught by Paul Farman.

Stuart Bruce: Breakfast in Canada watching Stockport v Maidenhead. Just need a Hatters goal to make it an early North West double to start the season!

As you may be aware by now, one game that won't be happening today is Bury's scheduled League One opener against MK Dons after the fixture was suspended by the EFL because the Shakers failed to produce evidence of their financial viability.

Their second game of the season against Accrington was also called off last night after the EFL ruled the club could still not demonstrate they could settle all football debts, or pay off creditors.

In response, the club's lawyer Chris Farnell has issued a statement claiming that proof of funding documentation had been provided, and an agreement had been made with the PFA on "footballer debt".

"We had the weekend to resolve any issues before the EFL cancelled the Accrington Stanley game," he said. , external

"As of today, we still have not received those questions and we are waiting for the EFL to provide them in order that the club can respond.

"This would then allow Bury Football Club to start the season. The actions from the EFL are causing immeasurable damage to Bury Football Club."

Referee Kevin Johnson's whistle marks the start of the second half at the Peninsula Stadium.

Can Salford complete the job and seal a winning start to life in the EFL?

Stevenage aren't going to roll over - they've made a second change, striker Danny Newton on for Jamie Fielding.

Image source, PA Media

Last season will be tough to top in terms of incident; there was "Spygate", an uncontested walk-in goal, a spat between club chairmen over a failed transfer and even a cabbage being thrown onto the pitch by a disillusioned supporter.

What can we expect in the EFL during the next 10 months? We've offered up a few storylines to follow.