Didcot skipper marks 700th appearance with Chesham win

Club captain Heapy made his debut for Didcot Town way back in 1996

Didcot Town captain Jamie Heapy made his 700th appearance for the club in Saturday's 1-0 win over Chesham United.

Heapy, who lifted the FA Vase in 2005 and led his side to the Zamaretto League Premier Division title in 2009, made his debut as a teenager in 1996.

"It's a good record and one I'm proud of," the 30-year-old told BBC Oxford.

"There aren't many loyal football players nowadays as they jump from club to club, so it's a record that could stay for a while," added Heapy.

"I didn't think about it until recently and I'm fortunate I haven't had too many injuries, but you just try to take each game as it comes.

Our spirit is back and the belief at the camp is good, we just got to stick together and work as a unit and get up the table as quickly as possible.

Didcot Town captain Jamie Heapy

"I've got no target in mind in how long I'll play for but, as long as I'm fit, I'm going to keep giving 100% to the manager and the club. As long as I'm picked I will keep playing."

Didcot's victory on Saturday puts them 18th in the Zamaretto League Premier Division, one place and two points above the relegation zone. But Heapy is confident that the Railwaymen can maintain their Premier status next season.

"It has been a tricky season with players and our manager Stuart Peace leaving but Ady Williams has come in and done really well. He's given us some self belief.

"Our spirit is back and the belief at the camp is good.

"We just got to stick together and work as a unit and get up the table as quickly as possible.

"Ideally, we don't want to take it to the last game as we have a local derby against Oxford City then, so we want to get it over and done with and make sure we keep our Premier status next season."