Danny Payne’s young sons, Harry and Albie, both featured in the annual match to remember the late Islington footballer at Market Road.
Nine-year-old Harry played a full game, while five-year-old Albie came on towards the end of the match involving several other relatives and friends of Payne, who grew up in the borough and played for a number of local teams including Chapel Market Boys.
Since his death from lung cancer in 2010, his sister Jaime Payne has organised the annual match to raise funds for cancer charities. On this occasion, Danny’s Boys triumphed 7-6 against Team Payne.
Before the game, two white doves were released along with 43 red and white balloons to mark what would have been Payne’s 43rd birthday.
Jaime Payne said: “We’d like to thank everyone who came and helped and especially the players – we’re so proud that they come every year for Danny.”
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