Minstermen are warned to heed lessons from their past

York City manager Nigel Worthington.York City manager Nigel Worthington.
York City manager Nigel Worthington.
A YEAR ago, York City pulled off an incredible ‘Great Escape’ by discovering championship-winning form in the nick of time, writes Richard Sutcliffe.

A 13-point haul from the final five games was just enough to keep the Minstermen in the Football League.

Newly-appointed Nigel Worthington was the manager who inspired that stunning about-turn in form and tonight, as bottom club Torquay United head to Bootham Crescent, he is warning his players to be wary of a team fighting for their very survival.

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He said: “It is at that time of year when teams near the bottom are fighting for their lives. This is the business end of the season.

“We know all about that from last season. We were right up against it but went on a run that got us out of trouble.

“It is the same every year. Just look how many points teams near the bottom get in the second half of a season compared to the first.

“Northampton Town and Torquay have both done well lately. They are both in the bottom two and know that time is running out.

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“They can’t afford any mistakes and that usually shows in results. We have to be aware of that.”

Torquay are six points adrift of safety at the foot of League Two, three points behind nearest rivals Northampton.

Chris Wilder’s Cobblers side are also in action tonight, at home to AFC Wimbledon. With third-bottom Portsmouth facing two away games this week, the picture near the foot of the League could change dramatically by the end of the weekend.

Happily for