But, however unlikely that goal was in October when John Coughlin took over, the manager is still not giving up the ghost.
"The results set us back on our heels and we are now looking for favours from other teams," he said.
"But we will get our heads down, collect as many points as we can, and see what happens.
"Forfar play Arbroath on Saturday and their best results have been in Angus derbies, so if we can beat Dumbarton at home there may only be a win between the sides."
Either way, last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Gayfield left the Warriors with a mountain to climb. Then, with a game in hand over Arbroath, the chance to reduce the deficit on Tuesday to three points was blown against second bottom Dumbarton when a deflected goal handed the Sons a win.
So, with five games remaining, the Ochilview outfit find themselves six points adrift of the coveted fourth position.
Unfortunate
"It was an unfortunate way to lose to Dumbarton," the boss continued.
"We have to show a bit more guts, although it took a brilliant save from their keeper to deny Jimmy Lister getting on the scoresheet on his debut.
"We have to hope for a bit better luck at the weekend because this league is not done and dusted yet.
"I am certainly not giving up and the players who want to remain next season will have to have the same belief or they will not be here."
The indications are that Coughlin already has a good idea about who will be retained for next term and has also set his sights on potential additions to the squad.
Former Berwick defender Jordan Smith was signed as an emergency loan last Friday until the end of the season, but the centre half suffered an ankle injury against Dumbarton and is almost certain to miss the replay when they visit this weekend.
Camelon Juniors' prolific striker Lister also featured at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium, and impressed the manager.
"He looks a bit like Scott Dalziel and, at 27 and not having played senior before, showed a desire that was lacking in some of our players who have been playing at that level for years," said Coughlin.
The previous Tuesday Lister also played in a bounce game along with his Carmuirs team-mate Andy Shirra.
Both are allowed to be played as trialists until the end of this month, but will be needed for the Mariners on Saturdays so that is unlikely.
"They are promising players and I'd like to have a further look at them in bounce games with Camelon's permission before the end of the season," explained Coughlin.
"If they are what I am looking for I will sit down with their manager, Alan McGonigal, and see if we can work something out."
Coughlin travelled to Dumbarton with only 17 fit players and, although Harty will be back, Smith, Dalziel and Steve Hampshire are almost certain to be missing for the return on Saturday.
Skipper Stevie Ferguson is no more than 50-50 to feature.