The disappointment was etched all over Kyle Cameron's face following the draw at The Hive Stadium, but he was still yet to concede Notts County's title aspirations with seven games left to play.
In what would be considered a good point in seasons gone by, the Magpies lost more 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 line-up to captain the side, with Aden Baldwin missing after picking up a minor injury in midweek.
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Notts were guilty of squandering several opportunities during a dominant first-half display, conceding the equaliser from a set-piece during stoppage time to send them in level at the break.
And the Magpies captain was on hand to detail his delight to be back in the fold but explained his disappointment at not being able to add another three points to their league total.
"It was good to be back in today after missing a couple of games through illness, we looked to stamp our authority on the game and in the first half, I think we started really well.
"It was a game of two halves because I think we could have had the game done and dusted by halftime.
"Unfortunately it was not one of those games and it's a bit of a bitter pill to swallow to draw here when we know we have to win all the games we have."
With Chesterfield's win at Woking in the early kick-off, three points in north London would have cemented second place for Notts with seven games left to play.
While a point away at 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 themselves and Wrexham.
"This season has been a bit more special and if you look at last season if you draw away from home and then you win at home, I have said it before and that would normally win the league.
"But we have to be winning week in, week out and unfortunately we couldn't get that over the line today."
Phil Parkinson's side were able to capitalise 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 clear at the summit with their 2-1 win over Bromley to sway the title race back into the arms of their Welsh rivals.
"For me no, I wouldn't say so," Cameron said on his thoughts of this remarkable title race being defined by the result on Saturday afternoon.
"Until it is mathematically impossible for us to win the league, we have to keep believing and pushing as a group - the lads we have got here will never give up until that dream is gone.
"It's a little bit harder now, but when you look at it is only three points now and with that game in hand if they lose, or we go there and win, it's all to play for.
"With seven games left, seven wins and we will see where we are after that."
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