A CHARITY football match to mark the tenth anniversary of Ross Crouch's death scored big raising £1,700.

Former teammates and friends took to the pitch at Brantham Leisure Centre to support Bloodwise and Clic Sargent - the two charities chosen by Ross' family.

The two teams, Crouch's Colts and Colchester Rovers, were Ross' former team mates from the old Brantham Sunday Colts team, Stanway Rovers and Colchester United Youth as well as other friends.

About 245 people supported the event as well as 50 footballers, all in memory of Ross from Lawford - an ex Colchester United apprentice - who died on May 19, 2008 on his way home after travelling to Bratislava with Brantham Colts to celebrate their successful football season.

A spokesman for the family said: "The memorial match in honour of Ross went really well.

"We were lucky enough to have Terry Butcher present, a former England Captain and family friend.

"He was Ross's Godfather and said a few words after the match about times he had shared with Ross and he also presented the trophy to the winning team - Crouch's Colts which was captained by Jono.

"We finished the event with an acoustic guitarist / singer Danny Bate whilst having a toast for Ross.

"We want to thank everyone who supported the event in Ross's memory."

The money donated to Clic Sargent is enough to pay for four families to stay for over a week at their home from homes while their child is having treatment as well as making a grant to help pay for a child's funeral.