Gareth Evans grabbed a late double to earn City a dramatic victory - and save Stuart McCall's job.

The manager's position was hanging by a thread after a game in which his side had been second best for long periods.

Torquay should have been out of sight before substitute Evans equalised seven minutes from time with his first goal since November 14.

A draw would still probably not have been enough for his under-pressure boss.

But City - and Evans - were not finished and the striker rammed home the winner in stoppage time to provoke wild scenes among the away players and fans.

City's brittle confidence was shattered just 15 minutes in.

Matt Glennon stretched to turn Elliot Benyon's curling shot past the far post but City failed to deal with the resulting corner. How often have we said that?

The ball dropped to big defender Chris Robertson who had all the time in the world to smash home from ten yards.

McCall had opted for an attacking 4-2-1-3 formation but there was a desperation about their play. It took them nearly half an hour to register the first shot.

City had no height up front at all but too many balls were still hit long and high, only to be gobbled up by the Torquay central defenders.

The home side were far more dangerous and lively winger Danny Stevens should have made it two after 36 minutes from Chris Zebroski's low cross.

City, who had a good backing for such a long trek, were fortunate to go into the break only 1-0 down.

McCall threw the dice with two half-time substitutions. Zesh Rehman, hooked at the interval at Lincoln, came on for the struggling Steve Williams and Evans replaced Chris Brandon as City went 4-4-2.

But Torquay still threatened to increase their tally. Scott Rendell and Kieran Charnock both went close and Simon Ramsden cleared off the line from Stevens.

You couldn't see a way back. But City dug deep, cranked up the pressure and Evans emerged the hero.

City's first win since December 5 was a massive one for everyone. But for one man more than most.