John Brain admitted he always felt the Guinness Premiership relegation battle could go down to the wire as Warriors begin the countdown to a final day Saracens showdown.
Despite losing to London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, Worcester will go into the final game of the season with a one point advantage over Northampton Saints.
Director of Rugby Brain has now started preparing his side for the sold out home clash with Saracens knowing victory should secure top-flight status.
And Brain believes only victory will do as he is confident Saints will overcome Irish on home soil on the same afternoon.
“There is always a nagging feeling in the back of your mind it is going to come down to this,” he said.
“There’s not much point talking about the game we just played against Irish. We have just got to focus on playing well in the Saracens game and winning that match.
“We thoroughly expect Northampton to win their last game of the season. That was ingrained in our players all week and I think it is what everyone believes – that they will win at Franklin’s Gardens on the last day of the season. That is what we believe will happen.
“But all the games kick-off at the same time and it is quite simple. If we win and they win, we are going to stay up.”
Worcester led the game in Reading just after the interval courtesy of a try on his comeback game from Matt Powell and the boot of Shane Drahm.
But a brace from wing Sailosi Tagicakibau, try from Robbie Russell and home skipper Bob Casey’s bonus-point clincher ensured a committed Worcester side left with nothing.
“We didn’t control possession. Irish had far more ball and territory than we did, and control of the ball is key in warm conditions. Defending takes more out of you than attacking,” added Brain.
“We didn’t control possession, and if you spend more time attacking than defending, then you are going to be fresher.”