A Jake Reeves goal clinched three points for Stevenage in a 1-0 victory over Barrow AFC at Broadhall Way on Saturday.

Alex Revell's side were worthy winners as they kicked-off their League Two campaign in front of 2,536 supporters at the Lamex.

The opening 45 minutes were largely shapeless, with both sides full of endeavour, if no end product.

However, Stevenage's first goal of the season - and the winner of a hard-fought game - came 30 seconds after the interval, when Reeves slotted home into the roof of the net from close range following a cross from Jamie Reid.

The visitors, led by Mark Cooper, built pressure with Ollie Banks' long-range effort blocked, before Josh Kay fired his shot narrowly wide.

Boro's highly-rated Luther James-Wildin nearly doubled the lead with nine minutes remaining, but former Stevenage keeper Paul Farman blocked well.

Despite ten bookings in the match, this was not a dirty affair, with Boro boss Revell describing the game afterwards as 'scrappy but not malicious'.

In a hectic finale, Reeves fed Reid, whose effort was kept out by Farman. Reid then fired over when well-placed.

Jake Taylor received a yellow card for trying to run the clock down, but as referee James Oldham blew the final whistle, the majority of the supporters in attendance cared not a jot, as Revell's side clinched a merited opening day victory over the Bluebirds.

No wonder the relieved Stevenage manager admitted after the match that he was 'delighted' at such a well-earned result.

Boro host near neighbours Luton Town in the first round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening, before they travel to Bristol Rovers next Saturday and Bradford City a week Tuesday.