Oxford United players took part in a match against an under-nines team whose goalkeeper, Ross Doyle, was killed by joyriders before Christmas.

The match was staged yesterday to collect money for the Doyle family and to raise spirits in Blackbird Leys Under Nines team, who have struggled to come to terms with Ross's death.

United first-team players including Chris Hackett, Dean Whitehead and Joey Beauchamp delighted the children and 300 spectators with their flicks and tricks, but eventually lost the match 5-4 when a penalty was awarded against them in the last minute.

The players also brought a shirt and ball, signed by the United players, and an Arsenal ball signed by Wheatley resident and England international Martin Keown. Peter Rhoades-Brown, community officer at United, said: "When we were asked if we could bring a team down I said we'd love to because it might be the only match we win would all season.

"It has been a fun day, but nobody forgot the serious side that we are trying to help Ross's family through bad times."

United's players included Jamie Brookes, who is from Blackbird Leys, and was due to play for England under-18s the following day.

Mr Rhoades-Brown said: "The results might not be going well on the pitch for United, but you can see that the players take their community responsibilities seriously when they give up their weekend for a match like this."

Ross, nine, of Redwood Close, Greater Leys, Oxford, died after being hit by a car driven by a joyrider in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, on December 21. The driver has still not been caught.

Jordan Nash, nine, of Three Corners Road, Oxford, said he enjoyed the experience of playing against Oxford United.

He said: "We were really happy about the match and it was really exciting because we were playing against professional footballers.

"I thought we did well in the match but I'm not sure if they let us win."