A FOOTBALL match in memory of two popular Wolverley friends who died in tragic accidents within four months of each other is set to kick off on FA Cup final day.

Lee Antcliff's Saturday and Sunday football teams are playing each other on May 12 in the village, which was devastated by the loss of the 23-year-old when he was killed in a car crash last November. Gavin Tilling, from Lock FC, and Stourport Town's Craig Brooks prepare for a memorial football match for best friends Lee Antcliff and Richard Carrington.

And shock waves went through Wolverley when Lee's best friend Richard Carrington, who lived 50 yards away from him, was killed in a crash on the A451 in Iverley last month.

Richard did not play for either team but has been included in the memorial as he and Lee were close friends.

The game between Lee's Saturday team, from the village's Lock Inn, and Stourport Town - his Sunday league side - will be free to attend, with organisers making a collection for County Air Ambulance.

Mitch Rickson, 36, a team mate of Lee's for the village team, said he had arranged the game as it felt it would be the most suitable tribute - and hoped it could become an annual event.

"It's exactly what Lee would have wanted - he loved the game. He must have done because he got up on a Sunday morning to play after playing on a Saturday," he added.

"He was a personal friend of mine. We hope it will become an annual event."

Mitch junior, 11, also a friend of Lee's, is joining in the spirit of the day and will be raising sponsorship to wear a pink dress to the game.

Mr Rickson hopes to attract as many as 200 spectators to the game, which is due to kick off at noon ahead of the FA Cup final, and has started putting up posters.

More information is available by calling him on 01562 852312.