Optimism was in short supply as Preston North End faced up to a tough task of getting a good result at Sheffield United in the play-off semi-final second leg.
Supporters packed into The Sumners pub on Sir Tom Finney Way, just yards from the ground, for Friday night's match at Deepdale.
But, come the final whistle and a 1-1 draw it was those fans hitting the M62 over to South Yorkshire who went away the happier ahead of Monday night's return at Bramall Lane.
Caroline Cylok, 27, of Chorley, said: "Honestly, I think they have blown their chance, if they had done as well as they did in the first half in the second half I think they would have done it.
"I just do not fancy their chances in the second leg now."
That view was echoed by George Curly, 43, of Fulwood, who said that the Lilywhites' chances of making it to the final at Wembley were over, despite some brilliant saves from goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan to keep them in the game.
He said: "They could have lost it, but they have lost it already, I hope they can beat them at Bramall Lane but I just cannot see it."
But Lynn Braban, 36, of Lostock Hall, said she believed North End could still get a win in Sheffield.
She said: "It will be 2-1 at Bramall Lane, we will take them, I am Preston through and through, I still believe they can make the final."
