Torquay United under Gary Owers has been characterised by a period of sustained positive followed by a slump, which continued following their most defeat against Maidstone United.
The Gulls' loss in Kent was their third in succession - following on from home losses against Dagenham & Redbridge and Sutton United before the big freeze - which was secured by an 88th minute strike from Maidstone's Josh Hare - their first win since they beat United at Plainmoor last November.
Prior to this run the Gulls had been on a three-match unbeaten run, which consisted of a draw against leaders Macclesfield Town, a home win over fellow strugglers Barrow and an away victory over Maidenhead United that sealed their first double of the season.
These runs of form have been symptomatic of United's form this season, as in the October-November period a run three straight defeats against Hartlepool United, Maidstone and AFC Fylde were followed by victories over Sutton United and Leyton Orient and a draw against Aldershot Town.
They then failed to win any of their next nine fixtures in all competitions before beating Barrow in February.
However, despite their recent run, United are still in better form than many of the teams around them. Only themselves, FC Halifax and Solihull Moors have won more than once in their last five league encounters and the Gulls need to return to winning ways quickly - hopefully starting with Tuesday night away at Leyton Orient - or else it really will be too late for them.
