Southampton very nearly slipped up on the road at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night, in an encounter they were surely expected to comfortably pick up three points from.
After all, the Championship formbook didn't lie heading into this encounter at the Hawthorns, as the relegation-destined Baggies hadn't won across their last 12 second tier games, while the Saints were unbeaten across their last ten games in all competitions, in stark contrast.
Games are so often not played on paper, though, as Southampton had to be bailed out by super sub Cyle Larin late on, so they avoided a disappointing 1-0 defeat.
The overall feeling from the Saints masses at the full-time whistle would have been relief, but that relief would have been mixed with a displeasure that their beloved side had lost ground on the playoff pack, by failing to win against such an out-of-form opponent.
Tonda Eckert's men simply have to pick up more wins, as the season heads towards its nail-biting climax, to try and upset Wrexham and sneak into the top six.
Here are some crucial fixtures ahead that Southampton must get spot on to realise their promotion dreams.
Coventry vs Southampton
Southampton are going to have to upset the status quo and clinch a win a table-topping Coventry City up next, to try and keep up with the pace of their Welsh rivals.
This will be an extremely tough task, as the Sky Blues look set to clinch promotion up to the Premier League with ease, as they currently sit on league-best 77 points.
But, Eckert's plucky Saints recently caused a surprise on the road in the FA Cup at Fulham, meaning they need to try and replicate that same fearless approach on their travels to the CBS Arena.
Southampton vs Oxford United
This fixture might seem like an odd inclusion, but it's a match Southampton might head into with complacency, as Oxford United battle against the drop.
There are no games in the thrilling second tier where you're automatically handed the three points, and the Saints will have to be on their A-Game to beat the U's at the close of March, with Matt Bloomsfield's men still in with a chance of safety.
Wrexham vs Southampton
April is looking like it will be a blockbuster month to be a Saints supporter, with the FA Cup quarter final tie against Arsenal taking place at the start of the month, before a vital trip to Wrexham then hits the calendar.
At the time of writing, the Red Dragons really are the team causing Southampton the most bother, when it comes to trying to sneak into the final playoff position.
Beating them on their own patch would give Eckert's men such a big psychological edge, heading even deeper into the business stages of the long season.
Southampton vs Derby County
Derby County is close by as one of Southampton's main promotion rivals, with the Rams tied on the same points as the Saints in the ever-changing league ladder.
This showdown between the Rams and Southampton falls just one game after the intense meeting at the Racehorse Ground, as April continues to look like a monumental month for Eckert and Co's promotion chances.
Southampton vs Ipswich Town
Lastly, Southampton have to deal with another promotion candidate in Ipswich Town in their penulminate clash of the regular 46-game season.
At this point, the South Coast titans could be firmly out of the promotion equation, or deep in the thick of it, with a hope that positive results in the games mentioned above, mean this match-up is a potential dress rehearsal for the playoffs to follow.