As things stand, Shamrock Rovers are 10 points adrift of SSE Airtricity League pace-setters Dundalk and Cork City, having played a game more.
That gap would have been far wider had it not been for a 3-0 home win at Tallaght Stadium for Rovers last night which provided a timely boost for under pressure manager Stephen Bradley.
Previously the Hoops had gone five league games without victory which had seen them slide away from any title challenging aspirations that they may have held in pre-season.
Speaking to Off The Ball's Jamie Moore after the game, Bradley feels the win over Cork provides the perfect launchpad ahead of a Dublin derby against St Patrick's Athletic.
"We got there full of confidence, unbeaten in three and playing well and we go there ready to go," he said.
Bradley acknowledged the criticism that has come the team's way during a tough run of form.
"The fans have a right to be frustrated or angry at a certain point in time. We lost two games and it just happened in a short space of time," he said.
"It's a game we should win and I can understand the frustration. In terms of outside, I'm the manager of the biggest club in the country and if I get criticised, I've no problem with that whatsoever."
He added that the club have a plan going forward and won't "panic"
