"We're scratching our heads about how we didn't win. We created numerous chances and were completely dominant in the second half," Hughes said after the game.
"But the boys have come back well after an emotional week. Going out of the FA Cup was a hard experience as was going out of the UEFA Cup earlier this season.
"But we showed the character to bounce back against Watford in midweek and this is another point. I think we have to win all our remaining games now to get into the UEFA Cup again.
"We don't allow anybody to go to the beach when some people think the season is over. The effort the lads show is testimony to their character and I'm already excited by the prospect of next season with this squad.
"We've still got people like Stephen Reid and Andre Ooijer to come back while Ryan Nelsen has not been able to play very much."