YOU seldom come across a footballer as loyal as Downton’s Charlie Aldridge.

The goalkeeper reached an incredible milestone on Saturday – making his 200th consecutive appearance for the Robins in Sydenhams Wessex League.

And it was marked in some style, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory over Ringwood Town at Wick Lane; Shaun Prentice’s strike grabbed the points.

League president Dennis Challis congratulated Aldridge, above, with a pre-match presentation.

“Saturday was obviously a very proud moment for myself, I never thought I would get to 200 games, it’s not something I ever dreamt would happen,” the 27-year-old told JournalSport.

“I hate missing matches, I am willing to play through injuries and getting on the right side of referees and management also helps!

“I couldn’t wish for a better result – to win and keep a clean sheet was the icing on the cake.”

Since joining Downton in 2011 in which the run started, Aldridge’s performances have attracted interest from other clubs.

They have also led to him being nominated for Football Player of the Year at the upcoming Journal Sports Awards.

But Aldridge, whose brother Tom plays in attack, admits he has no ambitions to leave.

He added: “I have been approached by a few clubs over the years but I live in Downton and like the club.

“I’m a family man and the club is very family orientated - that suits me. My family help out in the tea hut and obviously my brother plays which means a lot, so no I can’t see myself going elsewhere.

“I have a lot of friends at the club, both on the pitch and off, so yes I think I will remain a Robin!”

When the gloveman isn’t playing football, he is a butcher at his dad’s-run Pritchetts and works at Ovenu.