Ruaidhrí Higgins insists his Derry City side are still not out of the League title race despite another slip-up, but after one win in nine League games, his side now need a three-match winning streak to see out the season.
The Friday/Monday round of fixtures provided a chance for Derry to move ahead of title rivals Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, who were not in action, but Friday’s 1-1 draw at home to Bohemians was followed up by another 1-1 draw at home to Sligo Rovers on Monday night.
That leaves the Candystripes in second place, two points behind Shelbourne and level on points with Rovers but with a better goal difference than both.
City now have back-to-back away games, against bottom side Dundalk and an in-form St Patrick’s Athletic, with that potential title decider at home to Shels on the final day of the season.
“When you look at the fixtures of the other teams, you’d imagine we would have to win all three,” he admitted.
“We have two and a half weeks to go in the League and we have to commit our lives and give absolutely everything we have to go and try and do this.
“We certainly have a bit of work to do, but I know we’re capable.
“It doesn’t feel brilliant at the minute. Of course, it doesn’t.
“We’re very disappointed and angry tonight, but we’ll keep going and keep fighting and that’s the minimum requirement.
“It’s been an awful long time since the club won the League.
“We were and still are in the best position we’ve been in for a long time in terms of trying to win one, so that will be our focus.
“We will probably have to win all three games, I’d imagine now, to win it.
“That’s our focus. We had the opportunity to take control of the League table but we haven’t done it, but we’re still not dead yet.”
Higgins’ side had to come from 1-0 down against Sligo Rovers to earn that point.
“You can either shrivel up or stick your chest out and stand up to the challenge,” he added.
“I hope what we decide to do is stand up and be brave and approach the last three games with no inhibitions.”