LOYALTY is becoming a rare word in non-league football but Heybridge Swifts attacking midfielder Jack Adlington-Pile celebrated his 100th appearance for the club with a goal in Saturday’s 3-3 home draw with Tilbury, writes JON LONGMAN.

A crowd pleaser for his robust tackling and sharp shooting in attack, Jack always leads the players to say thanks to the fans after a match and he got of heartfelt good wishes from Swifts loyal fans in return on Saturday after receiving a number 100 shirt from the club.

He replied: “I am very happy to have made my 100th appearance for the Swifts and score a goal too.

“We were unlucky not to get three points but thanks to the club and the fans for all your support.”

Jack, who made his debut in November 2018, played for Basildon United, Great Wakering, Brentwood and Southend Manor before joining the Swifts.

Two Bryan Moses goals down at the break, Adlington-Pile began the fightback with a rare headed goal in the 58th minute only to see Jamal Allen restore Tilbury’s two-goal advantage.

Adlington-Pile reactivated the fightback with a man of the match performance as he did not want his 100th game to be a damp squib.

His enthusiasm energised his team-mates and he has had more than 100 of those during his four seasons at the Aspen Waite Arena.

Swifts fans in the crowd of 248, who were fearing yet another home defeat, were roused by a stunning goal from Ben Sartain in the 76th minute.

Just when it looked as though Swifts efforts would be foiled, up popped leading scorer Lionel Ainsworth to bang home the equaliser in the 90th minute to get the Adlington-Pile celebrations underway.

Meanwhile, former Swifts striker Michael Cheek will be keen to add a Wembley goal to his prolific record when he graces the national stadium’s turf for Bromley in the FA Trophy final on May 22.

Cheek made his name at the Swifts, adding to his fan club at Chelmsford, Braintree and Dagenham before crossing the Thames.

The striker rescued Bromley in a 3-1 semi-final over renowned giantkillers York city with two superb goals after underdogs York City had taken a shock third-minute lead.

York, 2012 and 2017 winners, held out for 60 minutes before Cheek fired home through a crowded area and then headed home at the far post as Bromley, the 2018 runners up, ran out 3-1 winners.