They lost 2-1 to Darlington on Saturday, and boss Gary Johnson kept his side in the dressing room for half an hour afterwards.
He said: "I've let some of the players know that their performances weren't good enough.
"We are trying to raise the bar in preparation for next season when we hope to be playing in League One.
"I'm sure we'll survive and although it's disappointing to lose we are still up there and I'm sure that there will be other dramas yet to unfold."
Macclesfield rose a place to third in the hunt for promotion with a late victory at Shrewsbury's Gay Meadow, John Miles sealing a 1-0 win nine minutes from time.
They replace Southend, who drop to fourth after a home draw with play-off hopefuls Lincoln.
Ben Futcher headed the Imps ahead three minutes from time, but Shrimpers forward Fredy Eastwood converted a stoppage time penalty to rescue a point.
Kidderminster gave their hopes of avoiding the drop a huge boost with a 3-1 win at Notts County.
Rushden also recorded a rare victory, beating play-off chasers Northampton 3-2. On-loan youngster Bill Sharp hit the late winner.
Swansea had talisman Lee Trundle sent off for violent conduct, but battled to a 2-2 home draw against Rochdale as Grant Holt scored one for either side with both sides down to 10 men
Boston drew with Grimsby, Leyton Orient were held by Cambridge while Bury and Bristol Rovers also played out a stalemate.
Wycombe allowed fans in to their game against Chester for free, and they saw a 4-2 demolition.