BLUES fans are planning a poignant tribute to two tragic 17-year-old friends who died in a car crash in Leigh - by giving a minute’s applause in the 17th minute of Saturday’s home game.

Reigan Knight and Liam Phillips died after the Ford Escort they were travelling in hit a BMW and then a wall at the junction of Southsea Avenue and Glendale Gardens in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Southend United fans came up with the idea to pay tribute to the pals and have asked opposing Charlton Athletic supporters to join in too.

Writing on Facebook, Aaron Grant said: “Would like to ask all you Southend fans attending the game on Saturday v Charlton if we could give a minute’s applause in the 17th minute to show our respects to the two 17-year-old boys who died in a car crash.”

The post received dozens of messages of support and fans later took to Twitter to tell Charlton fans.

The tribute is being backed by the family of football fan Liam Phillips, who plan to be at the game.

A Southend United spokesman said the match day was already a special memorial match where the loved ones of fans who have died throughout the year will be remembered in the programme.

He said: “It is tradition for Southend United’s last home game of the year that lost loved ones sadly taken from us in the calendar year will be remembered.

“This year the game falls on New Year’s Eve against Charlton Athletic and before the game we will come together to celebrate the lives of everyone connected with Southend who have sadly passed away.

“We will have a minute’s applause before the game with the names being read out on the tannoy and there will be a page dedicated to lost loved ones in the matchday programme.”