The footballing community came together in Walsham-le-Willows at a benefit match for an “incredibly talented” 31-year-old who is fighting cancer.

Friends family and fellow footballers helped raised more than £2,100 for Dave Bloomfield at the match on Friday last week.

Nearly 300 people turned up at the Summer Road ground to watch the match between Walsham’s Suffolk FA Senior Cup-winning side from 2006 against a Norfolk XI. The money will go towards Dave’s care and treatment.

Paul Smith, first-team manager at Walsham, described the “touching” moment that Dave came out onto the pitch before the game.

“He came out and kissed the pitch, which no-one expected. It is very upsetting to see what he has gone through,” he said. “It is tragic what has happened to him. No-one could deserve it less.

“He is a real character, one of the people you cannot help but like. You don’t forget him and he is someone I really look up to. He still has his wit about him, he always has.”

Dave played 99 matches for Walsham, including playing his part in winning the Suffolk FA Senior Cup at Portman Road.

The match was also attended by former Ipswich Town and Bury Town star James Scowcroft.

Paul, who has managed the team for 15 years, said: “When we heard what had happened to him, we knew we wanted to do something to help.

“We are still waiting for more money to come in and I am sure the club will carry on supporting Dave. I will meet Dave and his family when we have the totals – I hope it will be a real help.

“It is tragic, he is a very talented footballer. I hope he will make a good recovery.”

The match was won by a late winner from the Norfolk XI, which was made up by a group of players from the Diss area, where Dave now lives.

Walsham’s last home match of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Football League will be against Clacton FC this weekend on Saturday.

The match will be a “pay what you like” day with a barbecue and children’s attraction. Gates will open at 1.30pm.