"We wish we could run away with it but I assure everyone we are doing our very best.
"The fans came out in numbers on Saturday and we have let them down in a way," added Smithies.
"When they get behind us they are a fantastic set of fans and we are very thankful for their support."
Smithies urged the fans to back the team in numbers again tomorrow for the home game against Hartlepool and said: "At least we don’t have long to wait for the next game.
"All the players are looking forward to the Hartlepool game. The fans have been fantastic and if they can show that support for the remaining games we can be up there."
Smithies said there were "a number of things we can improve on" – such as defending at setpieces – but he insisted the squad was strong enough to see the job through.
"The critics can say what they like but we have good enough players to get automatic promotion and that is still our target," he said.