London Irish head coach Tom Coventry insisted his side do not find themselves in a "hopeless situation" despite watching them slip seven points from Aviva Premiership safety following defeat to relegation rivals Newcastle.
The Falcons' 13-6 win means the Exiles must win their final two games of the season -- against Harlequins and Wasps -- to have any hope of prolonging their 20-year stay in the English top-flight.
However, while the odds appear stacked against them, Coventry is determined to stay positive.
"We created a lot but weren't able to finish which is sign of where we are at the moment," Coventry said.
"It's not a hopeless situation, but we have to beat two very good teams now to have any chance of surviving."
The Exiles dominated the second half of the must-win clash, but were unable to turn superior territory and possession into points.
"We have paid again for our inaccuracy and lack of composure at vital times," said their captain, Luke Narraway. "There was nothing wrong with our effort but a lack of confidence showed."
Newcastle director of rugby, Dean Richards, maintained that his side still had work to do to secure their safety, and admitted they had been "the best of two bad sides" at Kingston Park.
"The job is not done yet," said Richards. "We talked about it after the final whistle and there will be no letting up in the last two games of the season.
"We were the best of two bad sides today and it was disappointing to score only one try, but we didn't let them score any and our defence and discipline, especially in the last 25 minutes, was outstanding.
"If you play badly and win, you have to take it and London Irish are not an easy side to crack and they have been playing well in recent weeks.
"Mathematically, safety is not there. We just have to make sure it is in the last two games."
Exiles not in 'hopeless situation' - Coventry
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