A SPECIAL match was played in memory of two loved members of the South Lakeland football community.

The charity game, between Swarthmoor and Kendal United Junior Football Club, celebrated the lives of goalkeeper Josh West, who died following an asthma attack, and coach Neil Humble of Burneside.

Dan Ross, Kendal United's under 13 team coach said the day offered an opportunity to remember Josh and Neil and to raise money for Kendal United and the Joshua West Foundation. More than £1,300 was raised at an evening event that followed the match.

"It was a good day," said Mr Ross. "It was nice to see people coming together to remember good things about these two people, and we are hoping to make this an annual event."

Josh, who played for Swarthmoor FC and Kendal United, suffered the fatal asthma attack days before his 12th birthday last April.

Mr Humble, a much-respected Kendal United coach died suddenly at home, aged 44, last November.

Before the games between Kendal and Swarthmoor, a special bench was unveiled in Josh's memory.

A stone feature next to the bench displays the words 'Mark Up.' Peter Burrows, assistant coach at Swarthmoor FC, said: "This is something every goalie says but Josh was very vocal, telling his defenders to 'mark up'. I can just hear him saying it now."

Another stone says "YNWA", the acronym for You'll Never Walk Alone, as Josh was a Liverpool fan.

Those involved in organising the bench and stone tributes included Pete and Cathy Burrows, Stephen Marshall, Dave Cooper from The Stone Workshop and Burlington Slate at Kirkby-in-Furness.

Another poignant moment of the day was when the team Mr Humble's son, Tom, played in won the final match and received the Kenmoor trophy from Furness and Lonsdale election candidate John Woodcock. The 13-year-old scored both of his team's goals in the final.

"It was very meaningful that Tom's team won the trophy that day," Mr Ross said.

Mr Burrows said: "It was fantastic to see family, friends, Kendal United and Swarthmoor JFC on the day pulling together for each other. You can safely say that Joshua West and Neil Humble will not be forgotten."

A memorial game for Mr Humble, between Kendal United and Endmoor, will be played at Kendal United's ground on Castle Drive on May 21, with the kick-off at 10.30am.

A fundraising weekend for the Joshua West Foundation will be held on June 17-18 at the Ulverston Sports Club.

For more information about the Joshua West Foundation, visit www.joshwest.webs.com.