More than 1,000 spectators turned out to watch a charity football match in honour of a fan who died in the US terrorist attacks.

The match, between supporters of Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, was organised in memory of Seagulls fan Robert Eaton.

Robert, 37, who was originally from Brighton, worked at the World Trade Centre in New York.

He was an avid Albion supporter and a regular contributor to the Albion's online message board North Stand Chat, under the name Ricky Marlowe's Hairpiece.

Fellow members of the room, who were devastated to find Robert had been among the victims of the September 11 attacks, decided to stage the match to raise money for the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund.

The fund, which has already raised more than £20,000, aims to teach football to disadvantaged youngsters in New York.

Among the hundreds who turned up to watch at Southwick Football Club's ground in Old Barn Way, Southwick, were actor Chris Ellison from ITV's The Bill and Southern Counties Radio presenter JoAnne Good.

Peter Taylor, the Albion's new manager, was also present and paid a visit to both teams' dressing rooms to pass on some tips before the match.

Ricky Marlowe, the Seventies Albion player who inspired Robert's online pseudonym, travelled from his home in Scotland to play.

Robert's parents, Laura and Doug, who live in Ditchling, held a raffle and presented trophies at the end.

Fund organiser Roz South said: "It was a brilliant night and we had great support. Everyone who was there said they had a great time and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"There was a real feeling of fellowship as everyone came together for such a good cause.

"It was a really good game and the score went to four all before Palace won on penalties.

"We have not finished counting but I know we collected more than £100 on the gate just in the first half-an-hour."

Organisers hope to make the Robert Eaton Memorial Match an annual fixture, with the Albion travelling to London to play Crystal Palace next year.