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Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

He's had four heart operations but 45-year-old Chris Swailes just scored in a Wembley final

The former Ipswich defender was also named Man of the Match as Morpeth Town won the FA Vase.

TODAY SAW THE FA Vase Final take place at Wembley Stadium.

The competition is for England’s non-league teams and this year’s decider was between Morpeth Town and Hereford.

And at the back for Morpeth was 45-year-old Chris Swailes.

The former Ipswich Town player is best-known for his spells with Bury and Rotherham and his remarkable longevity is even more incredible considering what he’s been through over the past few years.

In 2014, he stopped breathing during a game. Rushed to hospital, his heart was restarted three times. He had keyhole surgery, got two valves fitted, four more operations and spent twelve months recuperating.

And today, he grabbed his side’s equaliser, becoming the oldest player to ever score at Wembley.

Morpeth went on to win 4-1 – the third time that Swailes, who was also named as Man of the Match, has tasted success in the competition.

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Author
Eoin O'Callaghan
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