Mariner became head coach of the Pilgrims in December

Plymouth boss Paul Mariner believes the Pilgrims still have a chance of avoiding relegation despite their dire league position.

Argyle are now nine points adrift of Championship safety after losing 2-1 at Reading on Tuesday.

"The players believe that they can get out of this," Mariner said. "There are still a lot of games to be played.

"We've got to hope that people lose some of their form because as we know this league is difficult to predict."

Plymouth have lost their last three games, although they have managed to avoid falling to the very foot of the table.

And Mariner told BBC Radio Devon there is still time for his men to bring about a change in fortune and climb the Championship table.

"We've always said it's about what we do. We've got to make sure that we get the squad in the best possible frame of mind for the game on Saturday and we've got to come out and play our brand of football.

"Every single game is very important. I'm sure that teams will go on runs and I'm sure that teams will go on bad runs," he added.

606: DEBATE We have no chance of staying up with the games left. No good strikers in our squad. Going down. Maybe not renew my season ticket. Goodnight H4RRY2012

Plymouth's fans have only had seven wins to cheer all season, but Mariner said the continued support they provide helps gives the team hope they can turn things around.

"They are tremendous. The players respect the fans and the fans actually respect what we're trying to do."

Plymouth travel to 10th-placed Barnsley for their next league game on Saturday.

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