A REFEREE’S whistle denied him a trip to Wembley in 1955.

But now it is third time lucky for York City fan Peter Moat, who is finally heading to the home of English football, after more than six decades of watching the Minstermen.

On May 9, he will join the thousands of City fans at Wembley, as the club goes for glory against Stevenage Borough in the FA Trophy Final.

Peter, a retired bank worker, of Pinfold Court, Clifton, grew up only yards from City’s Bootham Crescent home and was mascot there in the late 1940s to early 1950s.

He saw seven of the club’s eight games in the memorable run to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1955, when City went down to Newcastle in a replay, after a 1-1 draw in the first game.

Like many City fans, Peter, now 67, still feels the Minstermen were robbed by a dubious refereeing decision late in the first match, when a header by Arthur Bottom looked to have crossed the line, but no goal was given.

“We were playing the referee as well that day – it’s a bit like Manchester United these days,” said Peter, who can still recite the entire 1955 team.

“It should not have gone to a replay, as York had a goal knocked off in the first game.

“They did not want want York at Wembley.”

Almost 40 years later, City did get their day in the Wembley limelight, but Peter again missed out.

“I have never been to Wembley and it’s one of my ambitions to go,” he said.

“I do not know why I did not go in 1993, but I had had a brain haemorrhage.

“I was mugged and it caused a brain haemorrhage and I was also suffering epilepsy, and I suppose that could have been the reason.”

Peter says he does not get to games as often now as he used to, but he is going to Wembley on a bus run by St Paul’s Church, in Holgate. The bus will leave from the church at 7am on Saturday.

Peter said he would enjoy the day regardless, but said: “It will be great if they win – and it will be extra excitement on the bus.”


Peter’s memories

Peter Moat has fond memories of his days as a mascot for York City.

“I used to take the ball out and get a great big cheer, and then shake hands with the referee,” he said.

“I did that for two to three years and have fantastic memories.”

Today’s youngsters have the chance to win an unforgettable experience of their own, after York City launched a competition to find 11 mascots for the FA Trophy Final on May 9.

Entrants must send their name, age, address and phone number to Wembley Mascot Competition, York City FC, KitKat Crescent, York, YO30 7AQ. They must also answer, in no more than 100 words, why they would like to be a mascot.