Forty-five-year-old former Blues defender Chris Swailes became the oldest ever scorer in a Wembley final as he helped his Morpeth Town side to a 4-1 victory over Hereford to carry off the FA Vase this afternoon.

Swailes bundled home the Northern League club’s equaliser in the 33rd minute, Hereford having taken the lead after only 75 seconds. The Highwaymen went on to net three more times in the second half.

“It's a dream come true,” Swailes told TheFA.com: “It’s not just me out there — the lads gave a massive effort, especially after going 1-0 down within a minute and 20 seconds.

“We have come into the game after the first 20 minutes and then dominated. It could have been more than four I think which just shows you what a good group of lads we have got.

“It's just a bonus that we've come this far; the camaraderie we have got, the competitive edge, to turn up to the dressing room for the banter, I just want to keep on being a part of it.”

Swailes, who was named the man of the match, says he has plans to keep playing: “I’m a big kid at heart and I want to continue being a big kid.”

The centre-half, who is also understood to have become the oldest player to appear in a Wembley final, came through the youth system at Portman Road but was released and joined Peterborough United in 1991.

George Burley re-signed him from Doncaster Rovers for £225,000 in 1995 soon after taking over as manager and Swailes went on to make 39 starts and three sub appearances before moving to Bury as part of the 1997 deal which saw David Johnson join the Blues.

Gateshead-born Swailes has also played for his hometown club, Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic, Hamilton Academical, Boston United and Bridlington amongst others during his lengthy career.

Swailes, who has hung up his boots on two occasions before resuming his career, the second time after having heart problems which required four operations, was winning the FA Vase for the third time.

Meanwhile, another former Town man Tommy Miller is currently the assistant manager of FC Halifax, who face Grimsby in the FA Trophy final, also at Wembley later this afternoon (BT Sport Europe, from 3.15pm).

Miller, 37, who went one better than Swailes and had three spells with Town, is registered as a player with Halifax, who he joined earlier in the season, but has made only four appearances early on in the season.

Photo: Action Images

MichaelRockyLavelle added 15:21 - May 22 This is great :D good for Swailes! Was literally only just reading that he was possibly the oldest player to play there; and then I read he's scored! Admittedly playing for town before I was born but who gives a monkeys, well played to the gent.
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BluedanW added 15:34 - May 22 Well done Chris, he talked about Ipswich being the best club he's ever played for and about playing "the Ipswich way" shame them days are gone and also reading of his transfer of £225,000 back in 1995. It makes the pittance that Marcus Evans is paying for players now laughable!
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lightingblue added 16:16 - May 22 Still quite youthful. Give him a contract with a few to another season due to the number of games he will play
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yorksblue added 17:17 - May 22 Remember his debut. Og v Villa in last min
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Cloddyseedbed added 18:10 - May 22 Congratulations Chris Swailes on a long and successful career.
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Marcus added 18:17 - May 22 It's a nice way to effectively bring his career to an end. Scoring in the correct goal this time! A decent defender, pity about the numerous own goals.
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blueboy1981 added 18:46 - May 22 Well done Chris Swailes - what an age to still be playing competitively, and planning to continue...... obviously loves the game. Always a decent player for us - Rock on Swailesy - an ex, and always a 'Blue'.
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Sporall added 20:29 - May 22 Good on you Chris. Still playing at 45 is some achievement.
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philpott2 added 20:47 - May 22 Lol I too was there when he managed to score that own goal v Villa.......right in front of us (father-in-law and I), and he'd had a half decent game up until then too. Richard Wright in goal I think. The days before kids, when I could afford to go to matches and the footie was worth making the effort for!
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Dissboyitfc added 21:58 - May 22 Congratulations! A decent town player!
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Taricco_Fan added 14:13 - May 23 Nice one Chris. Good player for us.
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