Disappointment was etched on Kyle Cameron’s face following the draw at The Hive Stadium, but he was yet to concede Notts County’s title hopes with seven games to go.
In what would be considered a fine point in seasons past, the Magpies lost further ground in this relentless title chase, with leaders Wrexham moving three points clear at the top of the National League standings.
Having missed the last two games through illness, the 26-year-old returned to the starting lineup to captain the team, with Aden Baldwin sidelined with a minor injury midweek.
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Notts was guilty of wasting several chances during a dominant first-half display, conceding the equalizer on a set piece during stoppage time to send them level at half-time.
And the Magpies captain was on hand to detail his delight at being back in the fold, but explained his disappointment at not being able to add another three points to the league total.
“It was good to be back today after missing a couple of games due to illness, we were looking to stamp our authority on the game and in the first half I think we started very well.
“It was a two-half match because I think we could have finished it off and dusted it off by the break.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t one of those games and it’s a bitter pill to draw here when we know we have to win every game we have.”
With Chesterfield’s victory at Woking coming off the early start, three points in north London would have cemented second place for Notts with seven games to go.
While a point away from a promotion-chasing rival in any other season would be considered a point in the right direction, Cameron admitted that the draw almost felt like a defeat given the intensity of the title race between them and Wrexham.
“This season has been a bit more special and if you look at last season if you draw away and then win at home, I’ve said that before and that would normally win the league.
“But we have to be winning week after week and unfortunately we couldn’t top that today.”
Phil Parkinson’s side were able to capitalize on the result at The Hive Stadium, with Paul Mullin scoring twice in four second-half minutes to see the league leaders move three points on top with their 2-1 win over Bromley to influence the title. run back into the arms of their Welsh rivals.
“Not for me, I wouldn’t say that,” Cameron said of his thoughts on this remarkable title race defined by Saturday afternoon’s result.
“Until it’s mathematically impossible for us to win the league, we have to keep believing and pushing as a group – the guys we have here will never give up until that dream is gone.”
“It’s a little tougher now, but when you look, it’s only three points now and with that game in hand if they lose, or we go there and win, it’s all on the line.”
“With seven games left, seven wins and we’ll see where we are after that.”