John Caulfield hailed a "proper Cork City performance" after his table-toppers edged even closer to the Airtricity League Premier Division title with a 1-1 draw against Dundalk.
The Leesiders could have wrapped it up with victory, and looked on course to do so after Brian Gartland's first-half own goal at Turner's Cross.
But Robbie Benson put the champagne on ice with a leveller three minutes from time. Cork now need two points from their last four games to win the league.
Caulfield admitted it was a tough pill to swallow but took huge heart from a ravenously hungry and organised home performance, and said his players had responded to the criticism thrown at them over the course of a shaky few weeks.
Dave Barry analyses Brian Gartland's own goal which has given Cork City a 1-0 lead against Dundalk at half-time #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/i0G6sL5VhL
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 25, 2017
"We're disappointed with the late goal because our performance was top class," he said.
"We went in at half-time and felt like we should have been more ahead but I can't ask for more of the lads. It was a proper Cork City performance.
"In a league title, it goes right to the end of October. In the last couple of games we've been questioned, but Dundalk came down here and they had to win.
"We were outstanding. We're disappointed with the soft goal we gave away but it was really the only chance they had in the match. I can't ask any more of the lads.
"The crowd was phenomenal. We move on to the next match to try and win it to win the league. We just need to bring that performance to the next couple of games. Once we do that, we'll be fine."
Robbie Benson equalises for Dundalk at Turner's Cross late on pic.twitter.com/QLZH4cYl7w
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 25, 2017
Stephen Kenny conceded the Lilywhites title defence is now almost certain to end with a runner-up spot.
A frantic pace made it hard for the visitors to establish their fluent passing game, and Kenny admitted they didn't do enough to deserve the three points.
"Realistically we probably needed to win the game to stay in contention," he said.
"The players showed they weren't willing to lie down.
"It was a scrappy game overall I felt. Cork were probably quicker to the second balls, they were quite athletic in the midfield.
"They forced us back. We could have been more creative than we were. We probably didn't do enough to win the game."
