A football match in memory of Beccles stalwart Gary Knights has been held for a second year.

Eastern Daily Press: Gary KnightsGary Knights (Image: Archant)

The game was played at Beccles Caxton Football Club's ground on Saturday, where a new stand is being built in Mr Knight's honour.

Mr Knights died of cancer in 2013 aged 50 and had been involved with the club for many years, as a member of the social club committee, manager and ran the whole football section as chairman.

Eastern Daily Press: The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow.The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The game saw Beccles Caxton's Gary's XI take on Lowestoft Town's reserves and under 18s in the first half, with Caxton's first and reserve players taking over in the second half.

Beccles Caxton FC treasurer Mark Carter said: 'There was a really good turnout, it was a roasting hot day and everybody had fun.

Eastern Daily Press: The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow.The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

'It was a very good match and there was a brilliant atmosphere.

'Lowestoft were winning at half time 2-0 but 20 minutes into the second half it was 2-2. With 10 minutes to go it was 3-2 to Beccles, but Lowestoft ended up winning 4-3.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow.The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The winning players were presented with the memorial shield by Mr Knights' partner and sister.

Friends of Mr Knights and the club also enjoyed a bar, barbecue and live music from TOSH, who played for free.

Eastern Daily Press: The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow.The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Referee Gary High also gave up his time for free on the day.

The event, along with last year's proceeds, had added £3,000 to the memorial stand fund. And with an extra £1,000 raised by Mr Knight's nephew, and other proceeds, the club has around £4,500 for the project.

Eastern Daily Press: The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow.The Gary Knights second annual memorial match at Caxton Meadow. Picture: Shirley Whitlow. (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Building work started last August, and Mr Carter hopes it will be completed as the season gets back under way in September.

He said: 'The footings have been laid and the concrete is going to be poured in this weekend.

'The old stand got damaged when a tree fell on it and we decided if we were going to build a new one it would be in memory of Gary.'

The inaugural memorial match was held last summer to raise funds for the stand, and the event has now become an annual fixture for the club.