BURNLEY have refused to give up all hope of making the top six this season.

However, both manager Owen Coyle and captain Steven Caldwell have conceded their target must be a minimum of five wins from their remaining six games to get close.

Results which filtered through in the aftermath of a 2-1 derby defeat to Preston North End meant the gap between the Clarets and sixth place was extended by only one point to four.

A draw between Plymouth and Watford, and a point for fellow challengers Wolves and Crystal Palace kept Burnley's slim play-off hopes alive.

"There are six games to go. With all due respect we'd probably have to win a minimum of five, and probably all six of those games, to figure in the play-offs," said Coyle.

"Having said that, those players have shown that when they're really tuned in as they are and not gifting soft goals that they're capable of doing that.

"But you would need to bounce back very quickly. At home next week against Barnsley provides the opportunity to do that.

"We're just disappointed not to take anything from a game we came here to win against a Preston side who have been doing terrific.

"I said to the lads, in terms of performance the first half was great.

"There was a lot within it to be pleased about, but the bottom line is we've conceded really soft goals and paid a heavy price for it."

But Caldwell insists he and his team-mates are prepared to do everything in their power to stay in play-off the frame.

"I think we need six wins to be honest, or something very close to that. Five and a draw maybe.

"It's crazy speculating though really. I think we need to just go and try to win every game, hope things go for us and we get there."

"It's bitterly disappointing but we have to be strong and professional at this stage and push on."