A football manager has paid tribute to two young players who were killed in a car crash.

Best friends James Duffell and Liam Cox, both 20, died in the accident after driving home from a training session.

They played for Sidley United in Sussex County League division one and their team-mates were devastated to learn of their deaths.

Club manager Andy Laskey said: "They were both chatting and joking one minute and then 45 minutes later this horrible accident happened.

"They had known each other for years and were best friends at the club."

The tragedy happened when their Ford Fiesta was in a collision with a Renault Espace near Battle last Thursday.

The club cancelled its weekend fixture and a mid-week fixture tomorrow night but was planning to play against Shoreham FC on Saturday.

The last game they played together was against Eastbourne Town FC the previous week.

Before Saturday's game there will be a minute's silence for the two pals.

James, of Caldbeck Hill, Battle, was first choice goalkeeper and a very promising talent.

Midfielder Liam, of Winterbourne Close, Hastings, was making great progress and had just broken into the first team.