DUMBARTON boss Ian Murray expressed his delight at Sons’ performance following their 0-0 draw with Hearts.

Murray admitted he was particularly impressed with his side’s grit and determination despite being under the cosh for large chunks of the 90 minutes.

He said: “It is a good result for us, a good point, normally you are not too happy with points at home and surrendering large parts of the game at points but I thought today the players were fantastic.

“The way we defended as a unit at the back four, into the midfield and the two up front, both when Nishy was on and Garry, were excellent.

“We could have snatched it at the end, we looked lively, and towards the end I thought we looked very lively on the counter attack.” Chances came and went for Dumbarton with the best falling to Chris Kane with around 10 minutes left on the clock, Murray continued: “We said at half time that the longer it goes 0-0 the more Hearts have to go and win the game because a point here for them was probably not what they were looking for and on another day Kane-o would have slotted his opportunity in.

“It is as simple as that and then they hit the bar obviously so they could have snatched it as well but overall for us to get a point is very satisfying and it keeps us going towards Falkirk next week.” The visiting Hearts support reserved special treatment of their own for Murray due to his strong Hibernian links during his playing career.

Despite being subjected to a torrent of abuse as he made his way to and from his dugout at the far side of the pitch the Sons boss laughed it off following the full time whistle, insisting he was more than prepared for the reception.

He added: “I knew that was going to happen - and it will be worse when I go to Tynecastle.

“But it doesn’t affect me it is more a case of trying to treat it like another game and playing the league leaders.

“It will be the same when Rangers come here and to a certain extent we will have to show the same application and work rate again – look I don’t think it really matters who we are playing, regardless of the opposition we are playing because I need to get the points for Dumbarton regardless of who we are playing and the quicker we get the points on the board the more we can enjoy the season