A heartbroken Stafford Rangers footballer played in a cup final just hours after his father died following a road crash.

Striker Nick Wellecomme scored in the match last night, then dedicated the goal to his father Steve.

Mr Wellecomme, of Burnthill Lane, Rugeley, suffered head injuries when his motorcycle was in collision with a car just before 4.30pm yesterday.

The 45-year-old scaffolder was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after the accident at the junction of Rutland Avenue and Hednesford Road, Rugeley.

No-one else was injured in the incident.

Despite the tragedy, his 24-year-old son turned out for  Rangers in the Staffordshire Senior Cup final against Kidsgrove at Port Vale’s ground Vale Park.

He came on as a second half substitute and scored as the match was drawn 2-2, but the team lost 4-3 on penalties with Nick missing one of Rangers’ penalties.

After the match he said: “I came here straight from the hospital. I think (my father) would have wanted me to play.

“The goal I scored, I scored for him.’’

Rangers manager Chris Brindley praised Wellecomme for his performance, saying:  “He was a very brave lad to come here and play at all. He should have been the match winner and that should have given him something for the days ahead.

“Losing your father is one of the worst things in your life and we are just thinking of Nick at the moment.”

Before kick-off at Vale Park, teams and supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of Steve Wellecomme.

His son was given a thunderous reception from Rangers fans when he joined the game at the start of the second half.

Nick, also a scaffolder, signed for former Rangers manager Steve Bull from Newcastle Town in March last year.