The midfielder agreed that Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Blackpool showcased the best and worst of Bolton this season.
Just 12 games remain for Steven Schumacher’s side to claw back what is now a 10-point gap to second spot – and many supporters are now resigned to the idea that the next couple of months will be spent securing the best berth for a play-off spot.
Dempsey is more optimistic, however, that the Whites can start putting more wins on the board after a run of three consecutive draws.
“It has probably been the story of our season that we have given up too many chances, not been ruthless enough in front of goal,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s too late. You should learn but it is down to us, we have to be better. We can’t keep on not taking chances when we are on top in games over and over again.
“When you look (at the Blackpool game) it’s probably their first two proper shots that have gone in, and we stood out on the pitch wondering how are we behind?
“We have to stay positive and it’s nine unbeaten now. We have shown character to get back in it and keep that run going but we all know where we have to improve.
“It’s disappointing being so close to the autos but also finding ourselves drifting away a bit. The only answer is to start putting wins on the board as quickly as possible now with the remaining games we have got and see where that takes us.”
On Saturday Wanderers make the long trip to Exeter City, and elsewhere Lincoln travel to Blackpool, with leaders Cardiff City at Doncaster Rovers and County at Stevenage.
But the Whites may start the weekend in fourth spot if Stockport County can win one of their games in hand against Burton Albion tonight.
Dempsey is keen to keep a positive mood ahead of another crucial round of games.
“It will feel better if we can put that win on the board again,” he said, “I’m confident about that.
“We have said among ourselves that we have to focus on what we are doing, forget about the rest of them.
“There was disappointment (after Blackpool) because we felt we had played well again but I have lost count of the number of times we have come off the pitch and felt like we didn’t get what we deserved.
“And let’s be honest with ourselves, look at the number of chances we are creating. It is down to us to make sure we are not being punished. We have to find some calmness and composure.
“I keep using the word ‘dominance’ but that it what it was (against Blackpool) and anyone who watched that game up to about 60-65 minutes would have said the exact same thing. We can’t keep letting that happen.”
Dempsey refuses to point the finger of blame at goalkeeper Jack Bonham, however, whose mistake let George Honeyman in for Blackpool’s second goal.
“I said to him that he can’t beat himself up because he’s been terrific since he came in, some of the crucial saves he’s made have won us points,” he added. “There’s no way you can be mad at that.”