Steve Staunton says Darlington's fans can play a huge part in the club's survival scrap as the Quakers look to welcome Northampton Town to the Northern Echo Arena tonight.
The Darlo boss remains in positive mood despite the 3-0 defeat at Crewe on Saturday.
He reckons home games will be key, when support of the club's fans will also be crucial.
"If we're to gain any ground, then the games in hand at home will be crucial," said Staunton.
"We know that and that's what makes tonight's game so important.
"The fans have a big part to play in this. Some may think any hope of a revival were dashed after Saturday's set-back, but that's not the case.
"We're no further away than we were before Christmas. There are still a lot of games to be played over the course of the next four months. We're realistic and we know it's still a tall order, but it's not out of the question.
"If I believe we can still do this then our supporters have to as well and come in their numbers to give the players a boost and help their confidence."
Northampton, currently 14th in the table, come to Darlington on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, and won their last two away games, both 2-0, at Bournemouth and Macclesfield respectively.
But Staunton is confident his players will avenge Saturday's disappointment, adding: "Yes it's a case of bouncing back but we have to continue from where we finished in the second half on Saturday.
"The first half performance at Crewe was bitterly disappointing, there's no getting away from that and the players don't need reminding of it.
"But I was pleased with how we responded after half-time, there was a lot of pluses we could take from our second half display, and I'd expect us to carry that in to the Northampton game.
"The players are in the right frame of mind. They know the job they have to do. Seven out of our next 10 games are at home and that could be crucial."
Tickets on the gate tonight are priced £18 adults, £12 concessions, £8 under-16s and £5 under-10s - call the ticket office on 0871 855 1883.
