Dumbarton manager Jim Duffy refused to criticise his side after their unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Airdrieonians on Saturday.

Paul McKay struck for the visitors on the stroke of half-time before Sons piled on the pressure in the second-half with the visiting keeper in inspired form.

The main talking point of the match saw Stuart Carswell rifle a loose ball towards goal and past David Hutton, only for the shot-stopper to grab the ball from behind him with the referee waving play on.

Duffy admits he did not have a clear view of the incident but that the players were convinced a goal should have been awarded.

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He said: “We’re very disappointed and I think very unlucky as well [to see the winning run come to an end].

“The players will tell you I can be tough on them when we lose but I think today they deserve praise for their complete desire.

“We had several very good chances and obviously hit the woodwork. I’ve not seen the one that went through the keeper.

“The players are adamant it’s over the line but that’s players for you.

“You’re always unhappy about losing football matches but with the effort that the players put in and the desire and determination to try and get something from the game, I think they deserved more.”

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Saturday’s loss was their first league defeat since August and Duffy is pleased to see his team continue to improve, despite not taking anything from the game.

He added: “There’s always things you can do to stop goals but it wasn’t an obvious error.

“Earlier on in the season we made obvious errors.

“On another day I think we might have taken something from the game but it was a tough match in tough conditions.

“I’ve got nothing but praise for the players today, it’s just one of those days.”

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