A BEXLEYHEATH schoolboy has described how he battled to save his best friend’s life after the 16-year-old suffered a heart attack while playing football.

Philip Lamin collapsed seconds after scoring a goal at Goals Soccer Centre, Graham Road, on Tuesday afternoon.

His best friend Miljan Scekic, also 16, was standing on the touchline during the match between the year 11s and sixth form when Philip fell to the floor.

The Bexleyheath Academy pupil told News Shopper: “He scored a goal and everyone cheered.

“The keeper rolled the ball out and Philip went in for a tackle. There wasn’t much impact but all of a sudden he had what looked like a fit and fell to the ground and landed on his face and chest.

“Everyone rushed over and I put his head on my bag and called the ambulance who talked me through a few steps on how to open his airwaves.”

A teacher rushed over to give CPR and ambulance staff arrived within four minutes of being called but were unable to save Philip.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich at shortly after 5.50pm.

Miljan, who lived just a few streets away from Philip in Belvedere and birthdays are two days apart, said: “He was the best friend you could have asked for.

"We were together in school all day every day for the last three or four years.

“He was always there when you needed him and once you did him a favour he would always return it.

“He will never be forgotten by all of his friends and family. He will be in our hearts forever.”

A memorial service has been held at Goals Soccer Centre and the school courtyard renamed in Philip’s name.

His friends have vowed to arrange a yearly memorial football match between the year 11s and sixth form at Bexleyheath Academy.

The talented striker, who lived with his mum Juliet in Gordon Road, Belvedere, is believed to have been set for a trial at Fulham FC U18s once he had finished his GCSEs this summer.

“When the hospital told me it was a heart problem I couldn’t believe it - he was always so fit and healthy,” added Miljan, of Poplar Mount.

“He had a big group of friends; always joking, always had a smile on his -very rarely you saw him upset.

“Throughout the past few days the support from everyone has been incredible, especially the teachers, they’ve helped organise so much.”

Miljan grew up playing football with Philip in Franks Park and said he will never forget his best friend’s final goal.

“He played football all the time and this iconic shot where he was between the half-way line and penalty area and he drilled the ball into the bottom corner – he gave the keeper no chance.”