Nigel Adkins insisted Tranmere showed the right mentality in their 2-0 League Two defeat at AFC Wimbledon, but admitted his side must start turning that desire into results.
Goals from Josh Neufville and Matty Stevens (penalty) condemned Tranmere to their fourth defeat in six games at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The result leaves the visitors in 22nd, five points clear of Morecambe and the relegation zone, while the Dons move up to fourth.
Adkins felt his side showed heart against a team pushing for promotion.
“Listen, we have talked about it at the start of the week, it is the mentality and I think the mentality was good today,” he said.
“The result was the factor, we are certainly going to be giving it a go (as the season progresses).
“The players are trying, that is what I am asking for, we got a response from last week, but ultimately, we have not got the result that we are after.
“Look, I will just keep it short, we have not won the game of football, but it is not through a lack of trying.
“We have spoken about it through the course of the week, it is the mentality, you could see that in the first half.
“Obviously, the goal just after half-time has made it more challenging but give the lads credit because they kept going.
“We are up against it, I have said it, but we have to keep going, keep scrapping and keep fighting.
“You could see that today, the result has gone against us, but you have got to pick yourself up and go again.”
Tranmere’s Declan Drysdale was sent off for a second bookable offence in the closing stages of the match.
Neufville’s goal was sensational, a left-footed curler that nestled into the top-left corner and Dons boss Johnnie Jackson believed it was a worthy winner after a closely-fought contest.
“It is a great goal, it is a worthy winner,” said Jackson. “I know we get the penalty later in the game, but it was a worthy winning goal really.
“I felt like the game needed something like that because it was really tight, closely fought and Tranmere made it really difficult for us.
“In games like that, you are looking for someone to come up with a bit of spark, a bit of magic and Josh certainly did that when he cut in on his left and produced that brilliant finish.
“I have faith in this squad, I know it is a difficult league so what you want to do is make yourself competitive and be in and around them.
“Having seen a lot of leagues, I feel like we deserve to be where we are and that we can mix it with anyone.”
