SOCCER: Suffolk striker Alex Harrison had a heartbreaking decision to make last week.He had to decide whether to go the funeral of his friend and West Suffolk Football School team-mate Marc Lucchi or to take his place in the England Schoolboys U18 team against Scotland.

By Elvin King

SUFFOLK striker Alex Harrison had a heartbreaking decision to make last week.

He had to decide whether to go the funeral of his friend and West Suffolk Football School team-mate Marc Lucchi or to take his place in the England Schoolboys U18 team against Scotland.

This was the deciding game in the Centenary Shield Four Nations Cup, held at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. Harrison decided to play, and England won 4-3.

They were 4-0 up early in the second half with the Suffolk lad scoring the first goal. Harrison also won a penalty and set up another goal.

England won the competition as a result of Friday's match, after two wins and a draw – the first time for six years.

Harrison has scored three goals in three games for England and needs to add one more to equal the U18 record. He still has three more to play. England meet Republic of Ireland at Lowestoft Town next Wednesday.

Lucchi was killed in a tragic road accident on the A14 Bury bypass on March 14.

THE Stowmarket Town club shop's fourth Football Memorabilia and Programme fair, supported by the Football Programme Directory, takes place this year on Sunday, May 26.

It is being held in the main hall at Greens Meadow between 11am and 2.30pm and admission is free. There will eight dealers of local and national fame in attendance.

Last year the day was an unqualified success with around 100 people in attendance. Stowmarket are hoping that they can top that figure this year.

TWO clubs will be playing for charity when they meet at Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, this Sunday at 10.15am.

Gipping Valley will play in fancy dress when they meet Kesgrave Kestrels with proceeds going to the Ipswich Hospital Trauma Unit.

"It should be a barrel of laughs," said Kestrels official Peter Cotton. "It is a game that should not be missed."

Both teams are to carry on proceedings at the Royal Oak where there will be a disco and buffet.