Billy Sharp dedicates his 'most important' goal to son

The Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has called his goal against Middlesbrough the "most important" of his career as it came only days after the death of his new-born son.

Sharp played in Doncaster's 3-1 Championship defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, hours after the club had announced the news that Luey Jacob Sharp had died on Saturday at only two days old.

The crowd commemorated the baby's life with a minute's applause before kick-off and Sharp opened the scoring with an outstanding volley after 14 minutes.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, Sharp used his Twitter account to thank fans of both teams for the pre-match tribute. "My goal tonight was the most important goal of my career dedicated to my brave boy luey jacob sharp I love u son sleep tight.thatsforyouson," he wrote.

"To captain the side tonite was an honour and a pleasure,the minute applause I was crying meant so much to me thanks to both sets of fans. My goal had to be something special tonight for my special boy. I'm so proud of him, and his mum @jadecarlie86." Sharp's girlfriend Jade Fair also tweeted: "@billysharp10 & I are grateful for the love and support we have received."

Both managers praised Sharp's attitude. Middlesbrough's Tony Mowbray said: "For him to score a wonder-goal, your headlines should be there really – a goal from heaven." After scoring, Sharp lifted his shirt to reveal a T-shirt which read: "That's for you, son" and referee Darren Deadman was praised for not issuing the standard yellow card for such a celebration.

PA