AYR United interim boss John Rankin says his players were "relieved" when their Scottish Championship place was confirmed for next season.
The Honest Men will remain in the second tier despite a 2-1 loss away to Ross County on Saturday ending their slim promotion play-off hopes.
However, Airdrieonians dropping points against Partick Thistle means that the Somerset Park outfit cannot be dragged into the relegation play-off.
That did not take away from the interim manager's frustrations after Saturday's defeat against the league's bottom side.
Ayr fell behind after just four minutes with Ryan Duncan putting the hosts ahead before Anton Dowds levelled just moments before the break.
However, it was the Staggies who took all three points with Alex Iacovitti notching what proved to be the winning goal with 20 minutes left to play.
“I don’t think we defended our box well enough at two set plays," Rankin told Ayr United TV. "Not the first phase – the second phase. Ultimately, that’s what cost us points.
“I felt we started the game really well then we defend the first phase of the corner really well, then it come out to the edge. We don’t get out quick enough, we have to defend it better.
“We weathered the storm because County had their tails up at that point. We grew back into the game and I felt we played some really good football.
“We score a great goal then we get undone in the second half with a set play. Ultimately, that’s the story of the season when you look at the goals we’ve conceded. We don’t defend our box well enough.
“The players’ work rates are incredible, the number that they produce, how hard they work, [it’s] never in question, but you need to have that desire to stop crosses.”
Rankin admits there were nerves in the away dressing room in Dingwall as Airdrieonians led Partick Thistle at half-time - a result which would have meant the relegation play-off was still a possibility.
“I did not realise how anxious the group was," Rankin added. "When the Airdrie score came through it seemed to unsettle us for the second half.
“Obviously, livelihoods are at stake, players’ contracts are at stake. People obviously want to stay here, and players are concerned for their future.
“When you go into the changing room at the end of the game and there’s a sigh of relief – the fact that we are safe and we’re in the Championship next season. That probably sums up the season.”
With two matches remaining in the campaign, Rankin is keen to see his side finish the season on a high note.
He continued: “I want us to finish strong, I want us to finish bright, I want us to finish by being competitive. We’ve got two tough games.
“Airdrie are at the bottom and St Johnstone are at the top, both have got a lot to play for. We’re mid-table but I want us to go try get six points from the final two.
“I want us to show a good attitude. Since I’ve come in the players’ attitudes been brilliant. They’ve worked really hard, we need to do the fundamentals of the game better.”
Next up for Ayr is a trip to face Airdrieonians on Saturday, April 25.
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