Shaw Lane to play and make Dan proud

Shaw Lane AFC defender Dan Wilkinson tragically passed away on Monday, aged 26

The family of Dan Wilkinson have given their blessing for Shaw Lane’s Evo Stik Division One South clash with Romulus to go-ahead.

Shaw Lane will celebrate the life of Dan, who tragically passed away after collapsing during the Ducks’ Integro League Cup tie at Brighouse Town on Monday night.

“It will be an emotional day and we hope we can do Daniel proud,” Shaw Lane club secretary Dave Exley told BBC Sport.

“Football is not important on Saturday. Obviously his death is still so raw.

“But Daniel’s family decided they wanted this game to go ahead and be a celebration of his life.

“All the players want to play – it quickly became obvious that everybody had the same thoughts as his parents.”

There will be a minute’s silence to remember Dan’s life.

Players and officials from Brighouse are expected to attend to show their respects. Brighouse’s home match with Colne has been called off as a mark of respect.

The game will give people the chance to bring flowers or sign the condolences book which is situated in the conservatory at the Shaw Lane complex.

It has also been revealed that the Barnsley-based club also plan to name a stand at their ground in his honour.

THANK YOU FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF DAN pic.twitter.com/RgoQrfYplq

— Shaw Lane AFC (@SLAquaFC) September 15, 2016