Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley believes his side will still contend for the title despite a second league defeat in four days on Friday.
The Hoops went down 2-1 at Dundalk but remain four points clear of last year's champions with a game more played.
City rivals Bohemians, who beat the Hoops 1-0 on Monday, are on the same total as Dundalk.
"We've got beat. We're not happy but I believe this group will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season," Bradley told RTÉ Sport.
"They've shown enough over the last 12 or 13 games to say that and that hasn't changed."
Reflecting on last night's loss, the Rovers manager lamented what he thought was the soft concession of two goals.
"I thought we started really well. We moved them around, had chances. They came into the game then, just before half-time, and scored when they had their patch. Momentum swung then.
"Second half, I thought we came into it again but I'm just really disappointed with the two goals we've given away.
"We've watched them and worked on things and they were two really poor goals from our point of view."
One bright spot for Bradley was the performance of 16-year-old debutant James Furlong at left-back.
"You have to be very careful with young boys, when you put them in and when you don't," said Bradley.
"I think our hand was forced tonight, we had six players out and you have to see if he is ready.
"I thought the kid was unbelievable. To produce that performance at 16 years of age, up here, I can't speak highly enough of him.
"He stood up to it, he showed he's going to be a real player for us."
For Dundalk, it was a fourth win in a row as they continue their recovery from uncharacteristically poor early-season form.
"There was a bit more rhythm to our play. It was a bit more like us," said manager Vinny Perth.
"We're slowly but surely getting back to where we should be. We'll just keep knocking out three points and building blocks.
"We're not there. There are areas to improve.
"Tonight was great but it's done and it's time to focus on Waterford (on Monday)."
