GARY TAYLOR-FLETCHER today reflected on one of the best goals of his career still smarting it didn't count for more in the play-off chase.
The 25-year-old's excellent 11th goal of the season at Bristol City looked like taking Town to 13 points out of 15 with Brentford to come at the Galpharm.
And even though Lee Johnson's late strike robbed Town and 413 travelling fans of victory at Ashton Gate, Taylor-Fletcher believes the quality of the 1-1 League I draw shows the top-six challenge is far from over.
"We were gutted and it felt like a defeat, which says a lot about the way we are playing and the attitude and spirit we've got," said Fletch, who played alongside debutants Frank Sinclair and Andy Taylor.
"We did have a bad run, but we always knew we would turn it around and we are now starting to dictate games, which is a great sign.
"There is still a bit of a gap between us and the top six (Town are 11th and seven points adrift), but if we keep picking up points and getting a few wins then we'll be right in there.
"Our fate is still very much in our hands and there's still a long way to go this season."
Saturday's home clash followed by a Tuesday trip to bottom club Rotherham, who also suffered a Fletch `special' goal early this season.
"It felt like I went round about 20 players, but I've been waiting to score one of them," he said of Saturday's.
"I know I can beat men and score, but it was still a great feeling, especially to put us ahead at that stage."
Fletch added: "I've scored a few good ones in my time, like Rotherham earlier this season, and it was one of those days when I felt anything I tried would come off.
"I'm just starting to get that real confidence back following my (knee) injury and I'm enjoying my role in central midfield.
"It was a real sickener we didn't win because we deserved to. We bossed it most of the way through and to get done by a deflected shot so late in the game felt shocking.
"Had Johnson's shot not got a deflection it would have been straight down Matt Glennon's throat, so it was hard to take, but we won't let it drag us back.
"I think we've lost only twice in the last 11 games which is pretty solid form and we're looking to extend our unbeaten run to six with a win against Brentford at home."
Boss Peter Jackson reported no injury worries and he made just one change during the game, with Adnan Ahmed going on for Matt Young.
