A match that was supposed to serve as a memorial to Blockley FC’s late striker was cancelled after a Covid outbreak in the opposition squad.

The club announced on Tuesday, October 12, that their player Tom Bonner, from Chipping Norton, had died the previous weekend.

Blockley were planning to use a cup match this past weekend against FISSC as an opportunity to remember Tom however a Covid outbreak in the opposition camp meant the game was abandoned.

A club spokesman said: “Tom was an amazing young lad and a great dad, he always gave us 100 per cent on the pitch and was a very kind, friendly and funny man.

“It was heart-breaking when we heard so as a team, we decided we would put him on the team sheet as captain for our home game against FISSC, we would observe a two minute silence and have his shirt and the captains armband on the centre circle.

“Unfortunately, because of covid the game couldn’t go ahead so we will be doing it at our next home game in two weeks against Inkberrow.”

Tom’s mother, Paula Harris, was due to attend the game.

While she was unable to put into words just how she feels at this time she said she would like to share just how much she loves and misses her son.

A fundraiser has been set up to help Tom’s family cover the costs of his funeral and at the time of writing, over £3,000 has been raised.

Blockley FC also confirmed they are in the process of setting up a charity game with all money raised going towards a men’s mental health charity.

The spokesperson added: “I’m sure I’m with everyone when I say we will miss him dearly and we will be sending all our prayers and condolences to his father, and Blockley player, Keyth and the rest of Tom’s family, especially Noah his son.”