SEAN Newton has insisted York City must ignore their National League position as they look to pull away from trouble.

The Minstermen remain bottom of the table but know they will go above fourth-bottom visitors Maidstone on goal difference if they can beat the Kent visitors at Bootham Crescent this weekend.

Should North Ferriby fail to win at Braintree and Guiseley lose at home to Eastleigh, City would also climb three places in the standings with 15 games left to play.

But, rather than focussing on the high stakes, Newton just wants his team-mates to concentrate on reproducing the form that has led to only one defeat in the last nine matches.

“We’ve just got to try and forget about how big the game is and our position at the bottom of the table and just treat it as a normal match, like we did in out last league fixture at Aldershot,” he reasoned. “The first 15 minutes might be a bit erratic because of both clubs’ situations and balls might be getting shelled all over the place, but we’ve just got to keep doing what we are doing, because everything we are doing is right and, if we carry that on and dig in together, I can’t see us getting anything other than three points.”

The former England C international went on to explain how he is now playing for a team of winners, who even hate losing in training, which is fuelling a battle on two fronts to secure league safety and lift the FA Trophy.

“The league is the most important thing, but it would be a bonus if we can get to Wembley and have a good day out for the fans and ourselves,” Newton explained. “It’s also all part of the winning mentality we have got now.

“Even in training, the lads are arguing in small-sided games because they don’t want to lose and the only way we will get out of the situation we are in is by taking that into every game we play, even on tough pitches against a team from the league below, as was the case at Nuneaton on Saturday. You would go to war with the lads we’ve got now, because I know, if somebody gets past me, they won’t get past my mate or get anywhere near our goal.

“As a keeper, you’ll always have a few saves to make, but Kyle (Letheren) is only making a couple every game at the moment. The forwards also turn your bad balls into good balls, so we’ve got a bit of everything at the moment, which is good, because we’ve got goals in the team and an ability to keep clean sheets as well.

“It’s not so long either that the club were struggling to win away, but now we’re picking up results for fun.”

Newton has also been impressed with the commitment to the cause shown by striker Vadaine Oliver since his return from a half-season loan spell at Notts County last month.

The former Crewe forward was on target during the 3-0 FA Trophy victory at Nuneaton and Newton added: “I’ve got nothing but praise for V.

“A club from higher up came in for him on deadline day, but he was asked to stay and help us. He’s never sulked about that and he’s kept his head down and been unbelievable in training.

“He’s also worked his socks off in games and could have had more goals. If he carries on like that, he’ll get his rewards in the end anyway – no matter what.”