We are going up: Hayden Bird, Matt York and Simon Cooper. Andy Nunn
Carshalton Athletic saviour Matt York admits burying the penalty that all but guaranteed the Robins' Ryman League Premier Division survival on Saturday was the highlight of his career.
York, who incredibly also struck a last-day goal to help Carshalton avoided the drop from the Conference South in 2004-05, notched the all-important first goal in the Robins' 2-0 win over Tonbridge Angels.
That result, couple with Boreham Wood's 5-0 hiding at Ramsgate, was enough to maintain the club's status.
But York was eager to downplay his heroics.
He said: "I was not really that nervous, to be honest.
"I felt very confident about the whole thing and I knew the penalty was going to go in.
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"Having said that, it was the most important penalty I have ever taken as there was so much riding on it.
"If the club had gone down, it would have been devastating."
Journeyman: York in his Kingstonian guise Deadlinepix SP17507
York arrived back at Colston Avenue in February after a nomadic career that has seen him play for a host of Surrey clubs.
The 29-year-old has featured for Banstead, AFC Wimbledon, Tooting & Mitcham and Kingstonian on top of his three stints with the Robins.
And he admitted he was delighted to get another chance with Carshalton.
He added: "I wasn't really playing at Kingstonian and I was getting a bit frustrated.
"I ended up leaving and then I was about a week or so without a club.
"Hayden Bird gave me a ring and I jumped at the chance to come back."
Since returning, York has been converted from midfield general to commanding centre-half. And the postman is relishing his new role.
York added: "Hayden has given me a chance and I prefer playing centre-half.
"I am enjoying myself here and I would love to stay if something can get sorted."
One man who hopes York will stay is his manager, who paid glowing tribute to his centre-half's efforts.
Bird said: "Matt has been inspirational for us since he returned and that is not a word I throw around lightly.
"He has been absolutely superb for us as a centre-half.
"I am convinced that we would not have been able to stay up without him."
MATT YORK FACTFILE
Date of birth: January 14, 1979
Position: Midfield/centre-half
School: Raynes Park High School
Job: Postman, delivering to Wimbledon
Favourite team: Chelsea
Favourite player: Steven Gerrard
Best memory in football: Scoring Saturday's penalty to keep Carshalton in the Ryman League Premier Division
Football ambition: To keep playing as long as I enjoy it
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