FANS and football players yesterday joined together in a vocal tribute to tragic goalkeeper Dale Roberts who died last month.

The North-East-born player’s club, Rushden and Diamonds, faced fellow Northamptonshire side Kettering Town in a Blue Square Premier League match in front of more than 2,200 supporters at their Nene Park stadium.

Fans of both sides joined in a one-minute applause before the kick-off to celebrate the player’s life and career. Flowers were also laid on the pitch.

During the applause there were chants of “There’s only one Dale Roberts’’ and one sign held aloft in the crowd read “Never forgotten’’.

The club produced a special match programme including tributes to and memories of Mr Roberts.

The game, the first home match Diamonds have played since the tragedy on December 14, ended in a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Mr Roberts’ funeral will be held today, at 1pm, at St Mary’s Church in his home town of Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper’s body was found at his home in Higham Ferrers, Northants, hours before he was due to play in an FA Trophy game that was cancelled as a result.

His death has devastated his parents Isabelle and George Roberts and his fiancee, Lindsey Cowan.

She reportedly had had an affair with Rushden teammate Paul Terry – brother of England and Chelsea star John Terry – who signed for Darlington in August and was appointed captain.

Mr Roberts, an England C International, previously played for the Sunderland and Middlesbrough youth teams before he joined Nottingham Forest.

Diamonds have launched a fund in memory of Mr Roberts to help his family meet the cost of his funeral.

Donations can be given by sending a cheque, made payable to The Dale Roberts Memorial Fund, to Rushden and Diamonds FC, Nene Park, Diamond Way, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, NN9 5QF.

People can also go to any branch of Barclays Bank and donate to the fund. The account sort code is 20-95-61 and the account number is 20162507.