The fight for safety in National League South has taken another twist – this time off the field.

Dover Athletic, Dartford and Welling United are all under threat of relegation.

An extra club has now been dragged into the dogfight after Torquay United were docked 10 points by the league on Wednesday.

A National League statement confirmed: “Torquay United have been deducted ten points from the 2023/24 National League South table after the club submitted its intention to appoint administrators.

“The Club had previously announced its intention to appoint administrators, and as such is a breach of League rules with regards to being impacted by an Insolvency Event and is subject to an automatic sporting sanction.

“As a result, in accordance with National League rule 13.A.1, Torquay United Football Club is now subject to an automatic ten points deduction which is applied with immediate effect.

“The League is working closely with the Club and will make no further statement at this time.”

It means Torquay are now just three points above the relegation zone on 41 points.

Dartford currently sitting in the final relegation place following a 2-0 defeat at in-form Braintree on Tuesday night. It was only a second game in charge for new boss Ady Pennock, who saw his team lose 4-1 at Torquay last weekend.

Welling have tasted defeat just once under new manager Rod Stringer and appear to be on course to complete another great escape, sitting two points clear of danger after completing the double over champions-elect Yeovil last Saturday.

But bottom side Dover’s fate has nearly been sealed. After conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Eastbourne on Tuesday night, Whites are still 16 points from safety with just eight games left to play.