Stephen Bradley insists Shamrock Rovers haven't given up on the dream of a historic five-in-a-row despite dropping more points against Galway United on Sunday night.
The champions needed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at Tallaght Stadium and remain fifth in the table, ten points behind frontrunners Derry City and Shelbourne, albeit with two games in hand on the Candystripes, who have eight remaining, and one on Shels.
"No chance," said Hoops boss Bradley when asked if he was ready to throw in the towel.
"There's a long way to go," he told the League of Ireland's X account.
"We just need to stay focused on us, stay focused on what we do.
"Keep showing up and we'll see where it takes us come the end of the season.
"It's PAOK on Thursday night [in the Europa League play-off]. We want to be playing Thursday-Sunday, it means you're having a good season and you're in big competitions. That's where we want to be so no excuses."
Bradley said he was "a little bit frustrated" despite Danny Mandroiu heading an 88th-minute leveller on his first league game back in green and white.
"Some of our play was good, some of it could have been better.
"We know where Galway are strong and that proved to be the case. They're having a brilliant season and you can see why.
"We're disappointed with the goal we gave away. We've got clean possession, we give away a silly pass in midfield and theY punish us.
"On another night we maybe take one of chances from the corners. Neil's [Farrugia] header, Sean Hoare has a free header as well that just goes over, Pico [Roberto Lopes] has one as well that just goes past the post.
"This team never give up. Even at 1-0 in the last 15 minutes I still felt we could go and get something from the game, if not win it."
Galway manager John Caulfield was "disappointed" not to hang on for all three points after Patrick Hickey had put his side in front in the 74th minute.
"Patrick got a great goal for us and we thought we might hang on for the three points.
"We know how great Rovers are. It's fascinating to have three teams going for the league and Rovers will go all the way. It's a three-horse race in my view.
"But we're frustrated because the goal we gave away was a free header in the box. Mandroiu was picked up and one of the lads let him go. Sometimes that's down to fatigue and concentration.
"But these lads give everything and work so hard.
"We made it very difficult for Rovers."
The Tribesmen are only behind the Hoops on goal difference and remain in contention for a European spot in their first season back in the flight after a six-year absence.
"We're at home Friday night and we need to pack the place. It's a massive game [against leaders Derry]. We need to fight for every point.
"Certainly there's a buzz around Galway in terms of that the team has done well. They have bought into this team and they can see how honest these lads are.
"For Ollie [Horgan, assistant manager] and myself it's a pleasure to manage them."
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