Chatham head to Welling United for an intriguing FA Cup second qualifying round clash on Saturday after a difficult week for the club.
The sad death of former academy player Dylan Akue, aged just 21, overshadowed last Saturday’s league game against Hendon, a 2-2 draw.
More: Tributes paid and thousands raised following player’s death
Akue also played for Chatham’s first team before moving on to play for Sheppey United and most recently Sheppey Sports in the SCEFL first division.
The news was at the forefront of Chatham manager and chairman Kevin Hake’s thoughts after the weekend.
He said: “The weekend game was overshadowed by the sad loss of one of our first cohort of scholars Dylan Akue.
“Dylan was a lovely young man and had a smile that could light up a room.
“But for a serious back injury, he would have either been sitting in our dressing room on Saturday or he would have been playing at a higher level.
“Dylan became one of our first apprentices which helped shape the club not only the Chats Academy but also carrying out work we do in the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we would like them to know he will forever have a place in our hearts.
“It was fitting that Chats Academy graduates stood alongside our new scholars on Monday as we held a minute’s silence to pay our respects to Dylan.”
The club’s entire academy campus, including staff and ex-academy players, took part in the minute’s silence at the club on Monday morning.
Described as a “big hit” on and off the pitch, Sheppey United manager Ernie Batten said the club had been shaken by the news of Akue’s death. He said: “Apparently his family found him in the morning, but he had died in the night. I couldn’t believe it.”
A GoFundMe page has been sent up to help pay for the costs of a funeral.
Akue was Sheppey Sports’ player-of-the-year last season and the club said that he’d been “a big hit both on and off the pitch” and that “his ability to beat a player, create chances and score goals was worth the admission price alone.”
They added: “His raw talent was exceptional and he had the attitude and personality to match it.”
Chatham captain Jack Evans had laid flowers in the centre circle prior to kick off against Hendon in memory of Akue while there was also a minute’s applause.
Sheppey Sports are planning to give their former player a “proper tribute” this Saturday when they host Sutton Athletic in the Kent Senior Trophy at Holm Park.
Isthmian League Premier Division table
Chatham’s game against Hendon last Saturday – watched by a crowd of 1,708 – had seen them take a 2-0 lead into the break after Rowan Liburd struck with just three minutes played, scoring with a headed finish. Freddie Sears rifled home to double the advantage before the break.
Hendon halved the deficit with a 69th minute penalty, turning the tide after Jamie Yila was penalised for a trip in the box, and the visitors levelled the match with around 15 minutes remaining.
Chats still had a chance to win it from the penalty spot on 81 minutes, after a foul on Kasim Aidoo, but Yila’s effort was saved by the visiting keeper.
The game ended in chaos and with a flurry of cards from referee Jake Woodman after an altercation involving most of the players on the pitch, prompted by a reckless challenge on Chats midfielder Stuart O’Keefe.
Chatham substitute Brad Sach and opposing player Niko Muir – whose challenge on O’Keefe had led to the confrontation – were given straight red cards. Hake’s men were soon down to nine after defender Sid Nelson picked up a second yellow card for dissent, leaving the field with blood coming from a wound below the eye.
Chats play National South side Welling at Park View Road this Saturday in a second qualifying round match.
