We’re almost underway and hopeful of a decent game. Spurs are heavy favourites – especially with Bale, Defoe and Saha in their side – but Stevenage are no strangers to an upset after they beat Newcastle last year…

The teams line out as follows…

Stevenage: Day, Henry, Ashton, Roberts, Laird, Wilson, Byrom, Bostwick, Freeman, Charles, Beardsley

Subs: Julian, Edwards, Long, Reid, Myrie-Williams, May, Cowan

Tottenham: Cudicini, Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Nelsen, Rose, Parker, Livermore, Bale, Saha, Defoe

Subs: Friedel, Lennon, Kranjcar, King, Khumalo, Dawkins, Luongo

The referee is Phil Dowd…

Some gremlins in the works there – this bad workman is blaming something called a short code – but we’re up and running. Nothing of note to report yet, Broadhall Way is bathed in sunshine and Spurs are attacking left to right.

Incidentally, this is Gareth Bale’s first FA Cup outing since 2010. He wasn’t involved at all last year.

Stevenage are not over-awed and their defence is being well marshalled by Ronnie Henry, who is a former Spurs trainee. Saha strays offside as Spurs threaten for the first time, but it’s all being played in front of the back fours…

Danny Rose crosses for Defoe but the ball is slightly behind the England striker, and he shoots past the post.

Saha shoots wide after an effort from Bale is blocked. Then a brilliant ball from Kyle Walker finds Danny Rose but his somewhat ambitious shot goes out for a throw-in. Spurs are having a hard time getting their foot on the ball. And amid all this nonsense? My computer comes under attack from a virus. Not good!

Hello! Paul here, stepping in briefly for Tony.

Rose beats his man and produces a pinpoint cross, which Kyle Walker heads wide. The full back didn’t get a proper connection with that header.

Stevenage are holding their own at the moment, and just had a corner nervously cleared away by the Spurs defence.

The visitors, meanwhile, are playing as if merely turning up will guarantee them a victory.

Stevenage deserve much credit for their brave approach. They had five people up for their most recent attack.

HALF TIME: STEVENAGE 0-0 TOTTENHAM

Harry Redknapp has been persistently linked with the England job of late, and Tottenham’s performance has been reminiscent of the worst type of England display, in which they struggle to break down patently inferior opposition (e.g Algeria at the last World Cup).

Computer issues resolved, it’s Tony again. Thanks to Paul for stepping in. Niko Kranjcar is coming on for Spurs, not sure who has gone off yet.

Sharp intake of breath! 40 seconds into the second half and Spurs have, arguably, their best chance. Bale advance through the centre of midfield and unleashes a shot to bottom corner. Former Tottenham trainee Chris Day is equal to it though, and saves for the League One side.

I was wrong about Kranjcar – he was stripped and ready to come on at the break but he has sat back down.

Michael Bostwick gets away from Livermore and shoots from distance, but it’s high and wide. Good thing he’s not frightened to miss.

Scott Parker won’t be happy about this one – a goal from Louis Saha is ruled out for offside as the Frenchman’s shot hits Parker – stood on the line – on its way into the net. It’s still scoreless. And a little bit boring. Soon afterwards, Saha shoots way over.

Tottenham attack again and the ball takes a nasty bobble before Bale shanks it wide.

Stevenage are getting closer and closer, and this time Chris Beardsley almost takes advantage of a handling error by Cudicini. Sloppy by the veteran Italian. Tottenham look rattled. Meanwhile, Kranjcar finally comes on for Walker.

Freeman has another shot from distance before Defoe tries to go it alone for Spurs. He is shepherded out by a strong Stevenage defence.

This is Europa League Spurs. This is not Premier League Spurs, despite the personnel.

Darius Charles goes off for Stevenage, replaced by Don Cowan. Not household names. Yet.

Gareth Bale gets to the touchline and Saha’s backheel is weak. Had he left it, Scott Parker was following up. At the other end, Freeman shoots weakly at Cudicini.

Here’s the Liverpool team to face Brighton: Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Carra, Skrtel, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Carroll, Suarez.

Danny Rose has cramp, it seems. Play has stopped…

Aaron Lennon has replaced Rose. Seven minutes left, plus added time, of which there should be plenty.

Kranjcar’s long ball finds Lennon, who cuts inside but can’t find an end product. The two subs have made a difference but a goal cannot be found. Lennon later finds Defoe but he slices wide and zzzzzzzz…..

Deserved applause for young Luke Freeman, who leaves the field after a fine display. A minute and a half of normal time left and the minnows have been every bit the equal of Tottenham.

Only three minutes of added time. Stevenage are holding firm. Spurs are playing around the home side’s box but there is no sign of a goal from Redknapp’s men.

The whistle is blown and Stevenage have still not conceded in the FA Cup. Spurs couldn’t break down their opponents and they will meet at White Hart Lane. Thanks for keeping up, we’ll be back shortly with Liverpool v Brighton…