Martin Ling still believes his Torquay side can secure an automatic promotion spot despite Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Southend.
With Crawley drawing at home to AFC Wimbledon, the Gulls had the opportunity to put their future into their own hands with victory over the Shrimpers but were unable to break down their visitors from Essex.
That means Crawley can now jump above Torquay on goal difference in League Two with a win in their game in hand, against Northampton on Tuesday night, but Ling remains optimistic.
He told BBC Devon: "I've still got the belief that we can make the top three. We wanted to win the game and never got what we wanted, but I don't think we deserved it.
"When you look at the top seven you see little old Torquay in there fighting away.
"We haven't got the resources of other clubs, we are battling way above our station, but that doesn't mean we can't do it and it doesn't mean we can't finish the job."
Update:
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