FANS from two soccer clubs have joined forces to help a footballer and his wife devastated by their toddler son's death.

Finlay Cooper choked on a toy just hours after Boro player dad, Colin, 34, celebrated his team's victory over Manchester United.

On the same day in February that the Boro played West Ham, Middlesbrough supporters and fans from Millwall Supporters' Club played a match of their own in Finlay's honour.

Both Colin and wife Julie travelled from Teesside to watch the fans' London charity match.

The result was an emotional pitch-side joint presentation to the couple just before kick-off at the Middlesbrough versus Tottenham Hotspur match at the Riverside at the weekend.

Supporters handed over a cheque for more than £3,000 to help two local causes nominated by the Coopers, an inscribed silver salver and a bouquet of red and blue flowers to Julie.

Andy Walker for the Boro supporters said: "It was an honour and a privilege for both sets of fans to take part in the match for Finlay.''

Football fans from around the world sent hundreds of messages of condolence to the Boro website following Finlay's death. The club had all the messages printed in a book of condolence for the family.