FOOTBALLERS paused for a minute’s silence in memory of a teammate killed in a car crash.

Jacob Chapman, 20, was hit by a car in Wexham Road in the early hours of the morning on September 19 as he walked home. He was taken to Wexham Park Hospital with serious injuries, but died on Sunday morning as a result of those injuries.

The former East Berkshire College Langley campus pupil had just signed for Iver-based Delaford FC – the men’s team associated with Delaford Colts – over the summer, playing in all of the team’s pre-season games. He was also due to have started studying at university this month.

As a mark of respect, all Delaford home games and all East Berkshire Football League (EBFL) games at the weekend began with a one minute’s silence in memory of the 20-year-old with a suggestion all goals scored in EBFL games also be dedicated to him.

Delaford FC also rearranged their would-be away fixture to Harefield St Marys FC, to ensure it was to be played on their home pitch on Saturday, where the silence and a presentation of flowers and a signed match ball took place.

The two sides lined up around the centre circle, arm in arms, and conducted a moving minute's silence in memory of their team mate and friend. The match finished 6-3 to home side.

Steve Lewis, club secretary, said: “It was a moving silence, and what has happened is a tragedy. We’re just pleased we’ve managed to arrange the fixture to be played here so that we can pay our respects to him.

“We put a buffet on after the game for everyone, and we’ll be arranging a charity game in the near future in memory of Jacob.

“He was such a nice lad, really friendly, got on well with everyone and was a good footballer. He had only played a few games for us but it was like he had been here for ages to be honest, that’s how popular he was. He will be truly missed.”

A charity match in Jacob’s memory will be arranged.