A special tribute will be paid today by the football team Helston teenager Alfie Beard played for.

Penzance AFC reserve team are to begin their 2pm match this afternoon (Saturday) with a minute's silence for 19-year-old Alfie, who died in a car crash near the Stopgate junction to Porthleven, on the Helston to Penzance road, late on Tuesday evening.

There will also be a standing ovation in the tenth minute of the match, in memory of Alfie.

The team has now retired his number 10 shirt, and this will be paraded on the pitch before the match as a mark of respect.

Reserves manager Daz Smith has paid tribute to Alfie on the club's Facebook page, which the Packet has been given permission to share.

Daz said: "This is the toughest post I've ever had to write. [Saturday] we welcome Perranporth to Penlee Park, in what was initially billed as our final pre-season friendly.

"However after Wednesday's devastating tragic news of the loss of young Alfie Beard, the game will now be played in his memory.

"Although Alfie only joined Penzance at the start of the season, many of us have played/coached and been best mates with Alfie for many years.

"We were absolutely thrilled when Alfie agreed to sign for us and I know he was looking forward to the upcoming season.

"[Saturday] therefore will be the toughest game for us to be a part of, but one that Alfie would have wanted to go ahead.

Alfies number 10 shirt is being retired by the club Picture: Penzance AFC

Alfie's number 10 shirt is being retired by the club Picture: Penzance AFC

"Alfie was a true gent, both on and off the pitch, and he'll be sorely missed by so many, but I know he'll be watching us.

"Although [Saturday] will be free entry, we will be asking for donations to pass on to Alfie's family.

"Its a 2pm kick off and we will be observing a minute's silence pre-match, before a standing ovation in the tenth minute of the match in memory of Alfie.

"His number 10 shirt has now been retired from the team and we will parade this before the match.

"Please feel free to spread the word so we can get as many people down to Penlee to pay our respects to Alfie.

"RIP Alfie. We'll never forget you."

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The club has also paid tribute on its website, saying that when new managers Darren Smith and Lee Major took over in July, Alfie was one of their first two signings. At the time they described Alfie as "full of energy and goals – a menace to any defence".

It goes on to say that this faith was fully justified as, in his four pre-season matches, Alfie turned in impressive performances, scoring a brace (two goals in one match) against St Day and the team's most recent goal, at St Just last Saturday.

"Everyone at Penzance AFC is heartbroken by the loss and sends condolences to Alfie's family and friends," added the club.