JAKE Smeeton lauded the Avenue as a “special place” after he notched up his 300th appearance for the Magpies in the 0-0 draw against Redditch United on Saturday.

Before kick-off, he was presented with a salver from chairman Matt Lucas and president Keith Kellaway to mark his incredible loyalty to club.

He made it 301 appearances in Tuesday night’s defeat against Slough Town and the club captain shows no sign of slowing up.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “It’s my 10th season here now and I’ve had some high and lows so it’s nice to hit the 300 mark.

“It’s always nice to have family here. My daughter always likes to come and watch so, it was quite special to have her alongside me.

“There’s been a lot of high and low points but, I think the fans are all behind us now. They appreciate what the gaffer (Mark Jermyn) is trying to do.

“This is a place that is close to my heart and it was great to get a nice reception from the crowd.”

This season has seen Smeeton reinvent himself as a tough tackling defensive midfielder. Not only he is churning out consistent performances, he is also scoring a few handy goals from dead-ball situations.

He added: “I enjoy it in there. Although I’ve aged a bit, I think I am as fit and lean as I’ve been.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to play in there and it’s going well for me.

“I’m enjoying my season and I hope it continues.”