Dele begins comeback

Last updated : 01 March 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
The match, which took place at Blues training ground at Wast Hills, was arranged after the reserve team fixture with Barnsley on Wednesday was called off because of a waterlogged pitch at Solihull Borough's Damson Park ground.

Adebola played for the first 45 minutes and came through unscathed in his first taste of competitive action since he sustained a serious knee injury against Grimsby at St. Andrews last March.

Blues boss Steve Bruce was pleased to see Dele take his first step back on the road to recovery.

"The big plus was getting Dele back out there for 45 minutes," said Bruce.

"The game was hastily arranged because the likes of Danny Sonner, Graham Hyde and Jon McCarthy need games, and now you can add Dele to that list."

"There is always a bit of apprehension when that first game comes around and Dele was fine.

"He had a big smile on his face afterwards."

A side which included many reserve team players lost the game 1-0.