The statement made famously made by Bill Shankly that the race to become league champions is a marathon not a sprint no doubt ring true to Torquay United manager Gary Johnson.
Having come away from Hemel Hempstead with a 4-1 victory on Tuesday night, the Gulls were brought back down to earth against Welling United - as Johnson's men were beaten 2-0 by the Wings.
To compound matters for United, title rivals Woking made it two wins out of two with a 2-1 victory over bottom side Weston Super Mare. That result means that the Cards, who still have a game in hand over the Gulls, now trail United by one point.
Nevertheless Johnson will need to call on his many years of managerial experience as the Gulls enter the final straight of the Vanarama National League South race, from a career that has seen him win five promotions with Yeovil Town, Bristol City and Cheltenham Town, as they aim to clinch the league title to attain automatic promotion and avoid the play-offs.
United return to league action next Saturday at home to Dulwich Hamlet, by which time Woking would have played their game in hand against Hemel Hempstead, and will have a clearer idea of what is required. It will also be the start of a Saturday-Tuesday sequence for the Gulls, as they will then face a trip to East Thurrock United which will be followed by two home games against Weston Super Mare and Chelmsford City on March 2nd and 5th respectively.
It is also worth reminding the Plainmoor faithful of Woking's three potentially season defining fixtures at end of March against Bath City away (March 30th), United at home (April 6th) and then Chelmsford City at home (April 10th). Those three games could yet go a long way to deciding the Cards' fortunes come the end of the season.
The Gulls, of course, will finish their regular campaign with a trip to St Albans City on April 26th, and given United's of crucial end-of-season matches taking place in the South East of England don't bet against it being of significant importance.
