Aberdeen interim boss Peter Leven insisted his side will keep pushing for the top six until it is "mathematically impossible" after their 2-0 loss to Motherwell.
The Dons are now 11 points outside the top six in the Scottish Premiership table, albeit with two games in hand.
Leven's side had more possession than Motherwell in the battle at Fir Park - not something that usually happens to the Steelmen under Jens Berthel Askou.
"I'm disappointed, the chances we created, we have to take them," Leven reflected.
"The first goal was a handball for me, I don't know why the referee's not given it straight away.
"It's frustrating, but I did see signs that were positive. There's not many teams come to Motherwell and have more possession.
"We'll keep battling until it's mathematically impossible, we'll keep going and see where it takes us."
Their push for the top half might not be helped with the upcoming fixture congestion, a run of games caused by a flurry of call-offs in the North East.
Up first is a Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Motherwell, in a repeat of Sunday afternoon's game. This time, it's at Pittodrie.
"It has to be a win on Wednesday evening, we're the holders," Leven said. "We need a big performance at home to try and progress."
Tony Docherty was in the away dugout at Fir Park after the former Dundee boss returned to Pittodrie in a move that Leven believes brings extra experience to his backroom team.
Leven added: "He's added experience, knowledge of the league and another person to bounce ideas off — he's been brilliant since he came in."