Coach Karl Harrison is refusing to write off Batley Bulldogs' hopes of a play-offs spot in the Co-op Championship.
But he admitted that they have made it hard for themselves following Sunday's 36-16 defeat at Dewsbury Rams.
"It was a disappointing result," said Harrison. "But you never know in this division.
"I think it's unlikely that we are going to get i
nto the top-six now, but I certainly won't be giving up the chase."
Harrison was unhappy with referee Mohammed Drizza's handling of the game at Tetley's Stadium and his appointment to such a highly-charged clash.
But he said: "Our performance was extremely poor and we were beaten by the better team on the day.
"Dewsbury played really well and I am pleased for Warren Jowitt and his team.
"It is a tough transition from division two to the Championship, but they have been competitive all season, which is shown by their number of bonus points."
Chris Buttery had to be substituted due to a knee problem on Sunday, but Bulldogs came through with no other major new injury concerns.
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