A team of Oxford United legends re-laced their boots to take part in an emotional tribute match to their old mate, former United star striker Nigel Cassidy.

A crowd of more than 1,100 packed into the home of Bicester Town Football Club on Saturday to watch the memorial match to the fans' favourite, who died in May at the age of 62.

Greats including Milk Cup winning goalkeeper Alan Judge, Andy Melville, John Shuker and Roy Burton urned out in U's shirts to take on a Cassidy Select XI featuring four of Nigel's sons.

The life of the swashbuckling striker, affectionately known as 'Super Cass' and 'Pancho' for his Mexican-style moustache, was celebrated with a minute's applause before kick-off.

Son Darren, 41, who organised the match, said: "It was a very emotional occasion. Everyone joined in the minute's applause and I had a bit of a lump in my throat.

"The players of that generation were a lot closer to the fans because they didn't earn obscene amounts of money.

"The bond was especially close between players from my dad's era and the crowds that remember them."

In what is a rare event for United fans this season, Oxford United registered a 3-1 win on Saturday against a team made up mainly of former players for Bicester Town, which Mr Cassidy managed for four years.

The event raised more than £9,000 for the Nigel Cassidy Trust, which supports children's sport in Bicester and Wadebridge in Cornwall, and encourages youngsters to be active.

Mr Cassidy was a record signing when he joined Oxford for £20,000 in 1970, making more than 113 appearances for the club and scoring 33 goals between 1970 and 1974.

Darren, who played for the Cassidy XI along with brothers Shaun, Stuart and Dean, added: "It's as big a crowd as they've had at Bicester for a few years and it's great to know my dad is still held in great affection.

"Oxford was where he really played his best football and he really enjoyed it here."

Jason Seacole, Peter Foley and Terry Muckelburg scored the goals for the legends, with John Hall hitting back in reply.

An auction was held after the match which saw items such as a signed Frank Lampard and Michael Owen shirt go under the hammer.

Mr Cassidy died of a burst ulcer. Organisers are hoping they will be able to arrange a rematch for next year.