Jon Dadi Bodvarsson says Wanderers must keep believing as they look to stay in the automatic promotion hunt, writes Pete Oliver.
The Whites slipped four points behind second-placed Derby County with a 1-0 loss at Pride Park on Saturday.
Wanderers outplayed the Rams for long periods but were beaten by a late headed goal form Derby defender Kane Wilson.
A first loss in five games leaves Ian Evatt’s men with ground to make up when they resume their campaign over the Easter weekend.
And Bodvarsson insists the chase isn’t over after only a superb save from Derby keeper Joe Wildsmith prevented the Icelander from giving Wanderers the vital first goal on Saturday.
“I actually couldn't believe that he saved that,” said Bodvarsson, whose diving header was clawed out at full stretch by Wildsmith. “It's one of those when you make contact, you're sure it's a goal. It's a game of margins isn't it and he made an unbelievable save and then they score from a set-piece.
“It is very painful but we will focus on a good performance. There is still lots to play for. There are seven games to go and it's very important for us to keep believing and keep going.
“When the result isn't good and when it’s not like what we wanted it to be, it's important to see did we play well, or did we play badly? I thought the performance was good. We just didn’t win the game. I felt we played well and dominated the game at a tough away ground.
“I know how much this means to everyone one of us, the community and us as players, the fans and the club. It's painful but it's very important to stay calm. There’s still lots to play for and it's still very much open. Let's just play with a smile on our faces these last few games and see where that takes us in the end.”
While Wanderers sit out next weekend’s fixtures due to international call-ups, Derby play at Northampton Town in one of three games to go ahead in League One.
The Rams then face a potentially tricky Easter schedule against play-off hopefuls Blackpool and table-topping Portsmouth.
But Bodvarsson believes now is not the time to second-guess others as Evatt’s men aim to come back strongly following a break which will allow them to refresh after a draining schedule and potentially get some key men back to fitness.
“We can't dwell on this, as hard as it is,” added Bodvarsson. “We need to use this international break well and re-group and we've got a massive seven games to go. There's still a chance there.
“I was telling the lads now it's important that we just really focus on ourselves, stop looking at the table, stop looking at what other teams are doing. It doesn't matter. It's about us, as simple as it sounds.
“As long as we keep focusing on ourselves, keep putting in good performances and focus on our own game it will happen for us, I'm sure.
“The pressure is always on top and we would like to have that privilege to have that pressure. We are just behind, so it's very important we go into these last few games with a nothing-to-lose attitude.
“I know there is a lot to lose, don't get me wrong. But if we keep putting the performances in, hopefully it will be a positive end to the season.”