Burton Albion's opening-day hopes were dashed in stoppage time as Stevenage substitute Olly Sanderson netted an equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw. The Brewers had taken the lead through Jack Armer in the 74th minute but could not hold on to secure three points.
First Half
Albion dominated possession early on and created the first opening inside the first ten minutes. Charlie Webster beat two Boro players before sending the ball to Toby Sibbick on the right, whose low cross was partially cleared. Webster's left-footed strike from the edge of the area went over the bar.
Kegs Chauke and Kyran Lofthouse both had efforts that failed to trouble Stevenage goalkeeper Filip Marschall. Corey Addai made his first save of the game in the 21st minute, collecting Phoenix Patterson's hanging cross from the left.
Albion's best chance of the half came just before the half hour. Sulyman Krubally intercepted a loose ball and found Matty Dennis, who sent Webster through on goal, but Marschall denied him. The sides went into the break at 0-0.
Second Half
The Brewers began the second half positively. Kyran Lofthouse flashed a ball across the box after combining with Sibbick down the right. Marschall got a hand to it and Dennis's rebound effort came inches from opening the scoring.
Stevenage registered their first shot on target in the 59th minute when Jamie Reid's effort from the edge of the area was comfortably collected by Addai.
Albion broke the deadlock on 74 minutes. Sibbick's low cross found Sulyman Krubally, who backheeled the ball for Jack Armer to finish from close range. But the visitors rallied and Olly Sanderson equalised in stoppage time, leaving both teams to share the points.
