Dundalk manager Vinny Perth is fully aware that his side are in a midst of a difficult run, but was encouraged by the "strong performance" in the 2-1 defeat against Sligo Rovers on Tuesday evening.
The Louth club did take the lead at The Showgrounds through Patrick Hoban, but Sligo equalised shortly after, with Lewis Banks' goal on 52 minutes deciding the contest in favour of the hosts.
Without a league win since July and missing a number of players due to injury and suspension, Dundalk certainly didn't look like a team who have taken just one point from their last six league games.
Perth did accentuate the positives when he spoke to RTÉ Sport afterwards. "I have to look at the green shoots of that performance in a game that could have went either way," he said.
"We conceded two goals from set-pieces and that's what happens when things aren't going your way. It's a goalkeeping error that has cost us points tonight.
"We started the game very well. We created enough chances and and their keeper made some great saves. We haven't been able to get that second goal and we've conceded too many easy ones.
"We have ten league games left and if we end in a relegation play-off, so be it, but that team with additions can be much stronger. That was a strong Dundalk performance tonight, Sligo had to work hard to win.
"It's going to be a difficult season for Dundalk but the rebuilding has started behind the scenes and there's a lot of good things happening. We have to take it on the chin for now."
Perth's counterpart Liam Buckley felt his side were marginally the better on the night.
"Over the 90 minutes, and with that chance in the second half to make it 3-1 when Johnny Kenny got through and slipped it over the bar, I think we marginally deserved it."
Sligo remain third in the table and face league leaders Shamrock Rovers at home on Saturday.
Buckley was pleased with the quick response to Dundalk's opener.
"It does help", he added, while pointing to Sligo's difficulties this term in forcing their way back into games.
"We've behind in quite a few matches and found it difficult to get back into them. To get the goal so quickly after they scored was great. It put us right back in it."
The Dubliner also feels Dundalk have the wherewithal to turn their campaign around.
"I know Dundalk have a few injuries but we've also have had a few injuries over the last few months and that hasn't helped us in relation to results. I have no doubt going forward they will win a few games, there was nothing between us this evening. They had a good group out there so they'll be feeling a little unlucky."
