A TEENAGER who was killed in a three-car crash was a keen footballer who will be “missed by many”, family and friends said.

Jordan Dowson, 19, was a passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa which collided with two other cars in the crash on the Brotton bypass, in East Cleveland, at 5pm on Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family this morning released a statement describing him as: “A dearly loved son, stepson, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and great grandson.

“He was a massive Chelsea fan and played for two local teams.  As well as football, he idolised his dogs.

“He was always with a smile on his face, probably best remembered by his laugh.”

Last night it emerged that Mr Dowson, from Guisborough, known as “Judd” to friends, was a keen local league footballer who was due to play in a match for his local pub team yesterday morning.

The match went ahead as a tribute for the youngster - at the request of his family - and his team Black Swan FC won 9-1.

The Black Swan pub’s website said: “Jordan’s family have expressed their wishes that the football match goes ahead in his memory. Jordan was a fantastic footballer and a key player in our football team especially. He was loved by all and touched the hearts of so many people.”

After the match, it said: “Thank you to all those who turned out for the match this morning. It was an amazing turnout and it shows how many people’s lives Jordan has touched.

“I am sure this will be comforting for his family at this difficult time. The boys won the match 9-1 which I am sure he will be incredibly proud of you all.

“He was sorely missed though.”

After the match his uncle, Paul Dowson, posted on Facebook: “That was the hardest game I’ve ever played in. Emotions were all over. Thanks to everyone who turned up to pay their respects.”

Former Laurence Jackson pupil Mr Dowson also played for the Guisborough Globe pub team, whose match was cancelled on Saturday, but along with his family organised a “send-off” for him yesterday afternoon at the pub.

Tributes poured in for him over the weekend. One friend said: “Absolutely devastating news about young Judd, great lad who deserved better than this... you will be missed by many, my thoughts go out to your family. God bless you mate, such a tragedy.

A rival team, The Livery, said on social media: “We would like to pass on our condolences and thoughts to everyone associated with Jordan Dowson and the Black Swan pub. Great footballer, sadly taken too young.”

Another friend, Jo-anne Brough, said: “RIP Jordan, you have left a big hole in the hearts of so many people. Guisborough will never be the same without you kidda.”

Three cars were involved in the collision on Friday – a black Vauxhall Corse, a grey Audi estate and a white Volkswagen Scirocco.

Another passenger in the Corsa, an 18-year-old woman, was taken to hospital, where she is in a stable condition and the Corsa driver was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries before being discharged. A man driving the Audi and a woman driving the Scirocco received minor injuries during the collision.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone who may have seen the collision or has information can contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.