FANS and team-mates of Paul Sykes are trying to come to terms with his sudden death during Tuesday night's Kent Senior Cup semi-final.

The match between Folkestone Invicta and Margate was 30 minutes old when 28-year-old Paul collapsed. Attempts were made to revive him at the ground but he was pronounced dead at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford later.

Folkestone have allowed Margate a walkover into the Kent Senior Cup final, as Margate were leading 1-0 at the time.

The final will be between Dover Athletic and Margate, taking place at the Westbourne Stadium, Folkestone on Monday, May 2. All proceeds will go to Paul's family.

Tributes have been pouring in for Paul, who had played for Dover, Margate, and Dartford before joining Folkestone.

The funeral will be held at St Andrew's Church, Buckland, Dover, at 1.30pm on Friday, April 22, followed by cremation at Barham at 2.30pm. Family flowers only.

kmfm's Jamie Stephens has this report...