The former team mates of Evren Anil played their first league game without the talented player at the weekend and described is as "very difficult".

The Croydon City team plays in the second division of the Croydon Municipal Sunday League, which will now be called the Evren Anil division in memory of the former Kingston University student.

Evren, 23, played as centre-back for Croydon City and had the opportunity to train with top Turkish side Besiktas as a teenager.

The team lost 5-0 to Woodmansterne Hyde FC at the Woodmansterne Sports Ground. A one-minute silence in honour of Evren was held before the game.

Evren's best friend Mehmet Aray said: "Evren was an active member of the team and will be greatly missed by us all so it seemed a good reminder to rename the league in his memory.

"We played our first league game on Sunday and if felt very different without him. It was an honour to have the division named after him."

Martin Nash, manager of Woodmansterne FC, said: "There was a sombre mood about the ground as a minute's silence took place following the tragic death of Evren Anil.

"For a good young man to have his life taken in such tragic circumstances is truly awful and puts a game of football into real perspective. We were more than happy to pay tribute to a fellow player."

Evren suffered serious head injuries during an argument over litter in Central Hill on August 5.

The former Harris and Coulsdon College student died eight days later. His dad and sister were at his bedside.

Mehmet said the family are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.

He added: "It is just getting more and more difficult, his mum is still in a really bad condition and his brother is still in a terrible state."

Evren, from Hancock Road, Upper Norwood, had recently gained a first class degree in computer sciences from Kingston University.

Since his death Evren's family have organised silent marches from his home to Central Hill in the hope of sending a strong anti-crime message to the Government.

  • A 17-year-old from Tottenham and a 16-year-old from Croydon have been charged with Evren's murder. The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are due to appear before the Old Bailey on December 14.