HE has been a York City legend ever since he became the first player to score 100 goals in the league – and his status among fans was cemented when he became the only York player ever to score five times in one game.

Now, at the age of 90, Alf Patrick has been invited to York Minster to receive Maundy Money from the Queen. But it appears the honour next month does not relate to his footballing exploits in the 1940s and 50s so much as his long association with Edward the Confessor Church in Dringhouses. Alf, of Woodthorpe, said he had long been a member of the congregation, helping out by doing odd jobs when needed.

He said he had been surprised when he had received the invitation letter, postmarked Buckingham Palace. “I thought it was my knighthood at last,” he joked. “Of course, I am very excited.”

Alf said he had joined York City in 1946 after being demobbed, having fought in Sicily, Italy and Germany during the war. He played at centre forward, and scored his five goals in a 6-1home victory against Rotherham in 1948, in front of a crowd of 19,653, and the record had never been equalled.

He said he became the first player to score 100 goals in the league, although this had been equalled by others since.

He scored a total of 117 in league and cup before he left to play for Scarborough in 1953.

Alf said he was registered blind because of macular degeneration, but still went to some games if accompanied by his son Stephen, who was a Minster policeman and would accompany him to the Maundy service on April 5.

He said York City’s weekend triumph in reaching Wembley for the FA Trophy final was “fantastic,”and he hoped to be able to attend the match.