by Scott Kynnersley
Back to the 19th of November 1994 as the Alex travelled to the Valley Parade to take on Bradford City.
In front of 5520 spectators the Alex lined up –
M.Smith,Booty,S.Smith, Wilson, Macauley, Whalley, Garvey,Collins,Ward, Lennon,Adebola. Substitutes Gayle, Clarkson , Gardiner.
The Alex were on a run of three straight defeats including a 7-1 loss to Hull and 5-0 at Birmingham. Any idea that it was a banker home were quickly dispelled as Ashley Ward put us ahead within two minutes. The big moment would come on 27 minutes as 19 years old Dele Adebola crashed an unstoppable drive into the top left hand corner for his first Alex goal.
As Bradford retaliated the Alex defended resolutely with Steve Macauley and Gus Wilson impeccable and Mark Smith a reliable last line of defence. The 2-0 victory would take us to eighth place in the table.
Dele Adebola had made his debut over two years before as a substitute in a 4-2 victory over Torquay but injury had hindered his progress. He went on to score 32 goals in 97 appearances before a million pounds move to Birmingham City.
Alphabetically he is the fifth name to play for the Alex behind John Abbott, Peter Abbott, Graham Abel and Ernie Adams.
