Safety sealer Graham Potter is hopeful his amazing injury time strike that finally banished York City's lingering relegation worries is further proof his fortunes are on the turn.

The former England Under-21 international is only now winning over the fans after a tough first season since his summer switch from West Brom.

But after his late leveller at Torquay, coming direct from a corner, the former Stoke and Southampton star carved himself a niche in Bootham Crescent folklore.

"Of course I meant it. It was never in doubt," he said tongue in cheek. "But I am absolutely delighted.

"It means we are not now having to worry about our next game or the last game of the season.

"But I'm also delighted because it has been a difficult year for me and it is nice to finish on such a high.

"I have found it difficult to settle in and it has been a different kind of football to what I have been used to.

"But I have come through it and I hope it is onwards and upwards from here on in."

Potter admitted he sensed his City career kick-started when he scored a vital goal after coming on as substitute at Mansfield that set City on their way to a 3-1 triumph.

"After the Mansfield game things have started to get better for me," he ventured.

"I scored a pretty important goal and it seemed to turn it around.

"Since then the fans have got off my back and things have gone well.

"The team have been getting results too and it is always easier to play in a side that is doing well."

Updated: 12:32 Monday, April 30, 2001