22-year-old Bermudian goalkeeper Dale Eve, a former member of the Stoke City youth set-up, was named among the Saddlers' starting XI as John Ward's Development side took on Port Vale in the Central League Cup on Wednesday afternoon.
Pembroke Parish-born Eve, who has since joined local side Rushall Olympic, began his career in his native Bermuda and had youth spells with Dandy Town Hornets, a club which he remained with until 2011, before joining Derby County. Dale spent only a short time in the East Midlands before being spotted by Stoke City who signed him to on a two-year development contract.
Dale failed to make a single first-team appearance during his five years with the Potters and also had disappointing loan spells with Fleetwood Town, Nuneaton Town, Newcastle Town, Congleton Town and Forest Green Rovers, playing in just a handful of games.
After leaving Stoke City in early 2016, Dale signed a short-term deal with Forest Green Rovers and was part of a squad that reached the 2015/16 National League Play-Off final at Wembley Stadium, but did not make an appearance as Grimsby Town went on to secure promotion to Sky Bet League Two.
After leaving The New Lawn, Dale had a brief spell at Dandy Town before joining Ilkeston as he looked to get his career back on track.
