Histon defender Max York celebrates scoring 100 goals after finding the back of the net against Godmanchester Rovers

Traditionally defenders pride themselves on making tackles, clearing the danger and keeping clean sheets.

Those are all values that Histon centre-back Max York holds dearly, yet he has also given himself an extra responsibility throughout his career – scoring goals.

The Histon skipper has found the back of the opposition’s net with impressive regularity down the years, with his most memorable return being the 27 goals that he scored during the Stutes’ title-winning campaign of 2018/19.

And he reached the 100 landmark on Boxing Day during the 5-1 demolition of Godmanchester Rovers.

“It’s (scoring goals) always been a part of my game,” said York.

“I’ve always had good ability in the air and it’s gone from there. I seem to have the knack of knowing where the ball will drop in the box and I enjoy scoring goals.

“When I’ve talked to managers before joining clubs in the past we always spoke about my captain’s role, being a leader and things like that, but I can also offer goals.

“Of course as a defender it’s about clean sheets, but whenever we get a corner or a free-kick I feel like I’ve got a chance.

“I normally set myself the target of scoring double-digits each season and it’s been something I’ve managed to do a few times.

“To get to 100 in total is an achievement I’m really pleased with.”

And worryingly for opposition teams, York has every intention of continuing to be a goal threat for many seasons to come.

At the age of 33, some players might start to consider the possibility of hanging up their boots.

However, York, who returned to Histon from Eynesbury Rovers in September 2022, is eyeing up at least another “five years” in the game.

He added: “I took a few months out of the game when I was 30 to try to juggle having a family and running a business.

“But I never wanted to stop and I made sure that I kept myself fit. Being in the gym helps and having knowledge about fitness is important.

“As long as I’m continuing to enjoy it then I plan to keep playing.

“I’m lucky that I’ve got a manager and a club that looks after me, so I don’t see why I couldn’t play for another five years.”

So far this season York has scored seven goals from 25 appearances.