The idea to have the EFL Cup first round the week before the start of the league season is working a treat judging by this half.

A goal apiece, a few other chances and players eager to impress ahead of the big kick-off in eight days.

So close to a second for Stevenage and a second for Dan Kemp, but his gorgeous effort comes back off the underside of the bar.

Moments before that, Jamie Mullins had a chance to put Wycombe ahead, but he dragged his shot wide from 10 yards.

Image source, PA Media

Wolves breeze to a 3-0 lead at the break.

Port Vale seemed like they could be dangerous in the early stages, hitting the crossbar for the first real bite at goal.

But they showed their weakness at the back when they allowed teenager Mateus Mane too much space, clearing the winger to deliver the ball which they failed to clear, leaving Adam Armstrong to send it into the net.

It then opened the floodgates, with both Andre and Fer Lopez adding to the goal tally after some excellent team play.

It's looking good for Cesar Peixoto's side. Hard to see how the Valiants are going to claw it back.

Just two minutes of added time in this first half.

Port Vale supporters will wish it was less.

There were only two places separating these two last season with Boro ending up fifth, although they probably should have finished higher and Wrexham were two places below them in seventh.

But which of them do you think will finish higher come May next year?

Thumbs up for Boro, thumbs down for Wrexham.

Sam Avery
BBC Three Counties Radio's Wycombe commentator

There is no messing about from this Wycombe side, they get the ball forward so quickly.

They have found their groove now, after the half-hour mark. And they just look very dangerous suddenly.

Every corner Wolves have earned, Kieran Trippier has looped in with some real quality. What a signing he may turn out to be.

This one is seen out of the box to Mateus Mane's feet but the youngster rattles his shot off into the stands.

Here is a good example of Middlesbrough's strengths and weaknesses.

They work the ball with their customary style into a good position as Will Lankshear makes a good run across the defence.

But when he cuts it back square, Jeremy Sarmiento produces a rather tame finish wide.

There is a suggestion that he is pulled back by Dom Hyam before he gets his shot away, but nothing given.

And with VAR not in operation, we can all have five minutes of our lives back.

David Kelly
Former Wolves striker on BBC Radio WM

Port Vale have been done there by the set-piece coach there.

It was great positional play from the whole team, especially for Andre with the header five yards out.

Vale might be a bit disappointed as they have had chances, but they haven't been clinical.

Image source, Shutterstock

It's clear to see that Wrexham are not going to hesitate to get the ball into the area at any opportunity.

Again Callum Doyle and his teasing left-foot are involved, but Danny Imray can't quite keep it in as he comes steaming in just beyond the back post.

Another warning sign for the hosts, though.

Jordan Gabriel's night is getting worse by the minute.

Mo Faal's low header looks bound for the Wolves goal but Gabriel misjudges his team-mate's effort. He puts a toe out for a tap in and ends up taking it away from the net.

Naturally, his manager Jon Brady doesn't look pleased.

We know Wrexham love to put crosses into the box and here's another one that causes the heartbeat to rise.

Danny Imray's delivery is deep to the back post where Callum Doyle heads across and Nathan Broadhead touches it on and Luke Ayling is forced to hack clear five yards from goal.

Advantage gets played for Wolves to go on the attack and Vale defender Jordan Gabriel slides in to stop Rodrigo Gomes in his tracks.

It's cynical and earns the first warning of the night. A pretty early one at that.

Just past the halfway point of the first half in Buckinghamshire and we are still awaiting our first goal.

Thankfully for the away fans in the corner, the sun has now dipped behind the stands and they are not quite so blinded!

Rodrigo Gomes speeds to collect the forward ball before it rolls out of play and cuts it into the box for Adam Armstrong.

Armstrong is a step behind though and Vale keeper Jackson Smith is down to smother it before the 29-year-old can get his laces on it.

Neil Maddison
Former Middlesbrough midfielder on BBC Radio Tees

It is a good save from the keeper, but the ball into the box was superb.

Will Lankshear will be saying to himself, 'I should have scored that' - that was the best chance of the game so far.