Joe Thomson admitted last Saturday's Big Two derby defeat to champions Linfield was "a tough one to swallow" for Glentoran.
The Glens had hoped to dampen the Blues title celebrations with a much-needed win in their pursuit of automatic European qualification for new season.
But first half goals from Callumn Morrison and Kirk Millar either side of a Jordan Jenkins equaliser condemned the visitors to defeat at a crucial point of the season.
Declan Devine's men still occupy second spot with three games to go but with Larne and Coleraine breathing down their necks Thomson knows they cannot afford any more slip ups.
"We got the split off to a strong start with the win over Coleraine," said the midfielder. "It was a real team effort as everyone dug in, stuck to the plan and Dylan came off the bench and made a real impact with a brilliant finish that sealed a massive three points.
"The Linfield game was a tough one to swallow. We went there believing we could get a result and for large spells we were right in the game.
"We showed character to respond after going behind and Jordan took his goal really well. But the reality is, we shouldn't have conceded the goals we did and, in the end, we just couldn't find that second goal to get back in the game.
"At this stage of the season, it's all about mentality. There's no time to dwell. We've got three huge games ahead of us, everything is still on the line and we're fully focused on Crusaders. It's another massive challenge, but one we're absolutely up for.
"We're right in the middle of a massive battle for Europe and we've got three games left to secure that automatic qualification spot. We go to Seaview knowing it's going to be a war and every tackle, every header, every pass will count.
"The message from Declan and the staff has been clear all week: fight for every ball, win your battles and give our supporters something to get behind from the very first whistle.
"We're in a fight and it's time for every single player to step up. From here on out, every game is a final. We need to put our bodies on the line, outwork our opponents and show exactly what it means to wear the Glentoran shirt. The fans expect it and we expect it from ourselves."
Since his transfer from Larne in January, ex-Scotland Under-21 international Thomson has quickly come to appreciate the vigorous backing of Glentoran fans and he's urging supporters to turn out in droves for the upcoming clash at Seaview this afternoon.
"Even though I've only been at the club a short time, I've already seen the impact our supporters can have when they turn up in force," he said. "They've backed us home and away, travelled in big numbers and helped push the team over the line in some massive games. Their support makes a real difference and we'll need that again on Saturday."
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