Chatham Town remember former academy player Dylan Akue – Chats pegged back by Hendon on Saturday and head to Welling United in the FA Cup this weekend

Chatham head to Welling United for an intriguing FA Cup second qualifying round clash on Saturday after a difficult week for the club.

The sad death of former academy player Dylan Akue, aged just 21, overshadowed last Saturday’s league game against Hendon, a 2-2 draw.

More: Tributes paid and thousands raised following player’s death

Akue also played for Chatham’s first team before moving on to play for Sheppey United and most recently Sheppey Sports in the SCEFL first division.

The news was at the forefront of Chatham manager and chairman Kevin Hake’s thoughts after the weekend.

He said: “The weekend game was overshadowed by the sad loss of one of our first cohort of scholars Dylan Akue.

“Dylan was a lovely young man and had a smile that could light up a room.

“But for a serious back injury, he would have either been sitting in our dressing room on Saturday or he would have been playing at a higher level.

“Dylan became one of our first apprentices which helped shape the club not only the Chats Academy but also carrying out work we do in the community.

Rest in peace, Dylan Akue.