Following their unfortunate loss to Preston North End on Easter Monday, City travel to Gillingham this weekend knowing that a win at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium would be a huge shot in the arm for their hopes of finishing in the top six.
With a number of injuries and the suspension of Christopher Routis to contend with, City's preparations for their long journey south hasn't been ideal but Parkinson wants his players to rise up to the challenge and ensure City are still in the mix come the trip back north.
Parkinson said: "It is still all to play for.
"We want to keep things alive as long as we can. This group of players, the staff and our supporters, we all want to go to the very end of the season with that top six still to play for.
"That is certainly our aim.
"We have to dust ourselves down after the disappointment of Monday and the Preston game and go again.
"This is a pivotal game for us - there is no question about that. The next game is always the biggest but this one in particular is a pivotal one for us.
"Despite the injuries we have around the squad, the challenge is to roll up our sleeves and get back on the bus after the game with the points.
"If we do that, we'll still be in with a chance."