HIGHLY-RATED young striker Jack Barham has left Heybridge Swifts and joined Ryman League rivals Tilbury.

He announced his decision after Tuesday's 3-0 division north victory at Ware.

Barham had previously pledged his allegiance to Heybridge, who he played for 78 times following his debut in August 2014.

Manager Jody Brown admitted being disappointed to lose his young prospect.

"Something very quickly changed Jack's mind," he said.

"And having turned down other opportunities, it took me somewhat by surprise that he had opted to go.

"His great strengths are his energy, pace and desire, which Tilbury will undoubtedly benefit from.

"I hope he has benefited from his time with us and I hope he keeps his feet on the floor and continues to develop as a player, because he has great potential."

Having largely featured as a full-back, Swifts' current management opted to convert him into a forward around a year ago.

Barham went on to score 25 times, with the vast majority of his goals coming in the second half of last season in his new-found role.

He scored a brace against Football League club Dagenham and Redbridge in last season's Essex Senior Cup.

He then shone in the final, in front of a big crowd, as Swifts were pipped by Concord Rangers.