THE manager of a football team has said he and his players are rooting for a young team-mate who is fighting for his life after an attack outside a pub.

Neil Smith, manager of the Greyhound pub side, said the team are waiting anxiously for news on Max Blake, 20, who was injured in an attack on Saturday.

Max became a hero just two weeks ago when he scored a late equaliser for the Greyhound team in the Thurrock Sunday League final.

The team went on to beat Chafford Hundred 4-2 in extra time.

But Max, who had been at the Fat Surfer rock night at the Grays Working Men's Club, was left fighting for his life in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He suffered head injuries and is currently being treated at Romford's Queens Hospital Mr Smith said: "We know Max will not give up. We have witnessed it. We know it's our turn to do it for him and his family now, and we will not give up either.

"He has the heart of a lion and knows no fear, and this is a battle we hope he will win."

Mr Smith said the former William Edwards School pupil cried tears of joy at his team's success two weeks ago, the first win of its kind for the keen sportsman.

He said: "We had 30 minutes to go and we were 2-1 down, so it was time to unleash Max."

The club manager said with eight minutes to go Max scored the equaliser to kick-start a famous recovery.

The team, who are based at the Orsett pub, secured their victory with another two goals in extra time.

Mr Smith added: "Max was a hero in all our eyes.

"He and most of us were in tears at the end. First one I have ever won', is all he kept saying, and I can't believe it'.

"He was hugging whoever he could. It was a day to remember."

l Daniel Revill, 21 and Ian Evans, 20, both of Bridge Road, Grays, have appeared in court to face a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They were bailed to reappear at Basildon Crown Court on July 4.