A PROMISING footballer who died in a car crash will be remembered tonight, Friday, by his friends and team mates.

Lee Hardman, who played football for Cheshire and Warrington Town, died in October last year when his car left the road and overturned near Mickle Trafford, Chester.

The 23-year-old, of Keats Grove, Orford, was very well known in Warrington - a fact which became clear when many friends attended his funeral.

Now, nearly a year after his death, Lee's family has arranged a football match in his memory, to be played at Warrington Town's ground on Loushers Lane.

Lee worked for Rockcliff Computers in Liverpool and more than 200 staff are due to travel down for the match between the Rockcliffe team and Lee's old squad Ryland's. Rockcliffe's management has also agreed to sponsor the kit of Ryland's, who play on the ground of the same name on Gorsey Lane.

"We are hoping to hold the memorial match once a year," said Lee's sister, Kelly. "Lee loved football so much and it seems the best way to remember him.

"We want to invite anyone who knew him to come and watch the match tonight. All of the lads playing have known Lee practically since he was a baby and he was very well liked."

Lee's dad, Geoff, will be playing in the Ryland's squad. "The number of people who are willing to turn up shows just how much Lee was thought of," he said.

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