YORK City manager Michael Morton has credited Torquay United for their recent revival in the Vanarama National League.

After York’s back-to-back victories over Barnet and Chesterfield, many supporters would have been hoping that the Minstermen were within touching distance of survival.

But five victories on the bounce for Torquay has seen the relegation battle heat up, with just three points separating City and the Gulls.

York’s goal difference could be a saving grace for Morton’s side, something which he is pleased about.

“I think everybody is surprised and it’s a credit to Torquay.” Morton told BBC Radio York.

“Speaking to a few of their players and managers, going back four or five weeks ago you were thinking that you’d be alright.

“Torquay only had to slip up twice out of all of the games, I think they only won seven games all year and then have gone and won five in a row.

“It’s credit to them because they’ve put themselves into that situation.

“I think we all know that if you get around the 50 mark then you’re usually alright, but Maidenhead are still in and around it.

“They’ve got a tough game against Barnet as well this weekend, and then they’ve got a tough game against Gateshead.

“We know that the pressure is on them as well.

“[On goal difference] It’s massive, we’ve sort of been between stick and twist if I’m being honest.

“Like the Wrexham game for example, it was only 1-0 but we’re one of them where we don’t like to just sit on a 1-0 so you’re sort of in between.

“If you look at it earlier in the season and even some of the games after Christmas, the games have been quite tight and we’ve not conceded loads of goals so it’s one of them.

“Hopefully it will help us out going into the back end of the season.”