DUMBARTON’S Mark Docherty was disappointed as the Sons missed a “big opportunity” to leapfrog Dunfermline after their 2-2 draw at the CID Stadium on Saturday.

The left back, who has also filled in at centre back, played in defensive midfield against the Pars and thought a draw was about right on the balance of play.

But Docherty, who was named as the man of the match, thought his side showed great character to grab the equaliser.

He said: “It was obviously a tough game going into it, 1-0 up at half time was good for us.

“I just felt in the second half Dunfermline began to get into the game a wee bit more and they had a spell where they scored two goals which, from our point of view, is disappointing. But to go and get the equaliser shows great character and it was an absolutely brilliant finish from Garry Fleming.

“Overall a draw is a fair result but we’re disappointed as we felt as it was a big opportunity to go above them, which we’ve missed.”

The 28-year-old played in the defensive midfield role a lot during his time at Alloa Athletic during his two spells with the club.

He added: “I’ve played their at Alloa and I’ve played their quite a lot in my career as well, so obviously this year I’ve been deployed in several different roles.

“I’ve played centre back, left back, and now played midfield and I’m just happy to do a job. As long as I’m in that team then the manager knows he can depend on me, to be fair, going to play in midfield.

“I enjoy it, you get a lot more involved and it I’ll use my experience to go and play wherever the manager wants to go and play me.

“I’ve probably played left-back for most of my career but I’ve had large spells in midfield so I’m comfortable playing there so as long as I’m on that teamsheet, I’m a selfless player and the manager needs me and I found myself playing in midfield and I’ve enjoyed it.”

And Docherty thinks while the Sons have given good performances in the league, life is always going to be difficult when you’re competing against teams with superior budgets.

He said: “It’s always going to be tough because let’s not kid ourselves it’s a tough league and there are some good sides, there are some really good teams in there.

“It’s always going to be difficult being a part-time team and up until now I think we’ve given a good account of ourselves and hopefully we can continue and push up that league next week.”

Dumbarton’s next game is away to St Mirren, who are winless in the league this season. But after appointing Jack Ross, a former teammate of Docherty’s, he feels it’s only a matter of time until they begin to find their feet.

He added: “On Saturday we go to St Mirren and it’s going to be difficult, they’ve got a new manager in Jack Ross and I played with him with him at St Mirren and he’s a really good guy.

“The St Mirren players are going to get a reaction from him and they’ll improve.”