On Grand National weekend, Torquay United remain on course to complete their great escape, as the Vanarama National League enters its final furlong, despite losing by a single goal against Tranmere.
A second half header from Michael Higdon secured the points for Rovers, who are managed by former Gulls' midfielder Gary Brabin, but results elsewhere went in United's favour and a win on Tuesday against fellow strugglers Altrincham would ensure that the Gulls are all but safe.
Their great escape seemed to have come to a possible dead end over the Easter weekend, when they lost 5-0 at Dover - a defeat that was compounded by a broken leg sustained by Durrell Berry - before going down to a solitary goal against Eastleigh.
However, a surprise 2-1 win away at Gateshead and a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Chester FC followed and now another win against Altrincham would move the Gulls six points clear of the drop zone and up to 17th in the table.
With four games to go, survival is very much within United's reach after being bottom of the division at the beginning of February, but seven wins in the last 13 league fixtures has helped to transform their fortunes.
