Dumbarton manager Jim Duffy was left “gutted” after a late equaliser denied his side all three points against Falkirk on Saturday.

Isaac Layne had Sons ahead but a last-minute penalty from Declan McManus stole a point for the Bairns, who later that evening sacked Manager Ray McKinnon.

Duffy’s side deserved all three points, but while he was disappointed at conceding a penalty so late on, the gaffer was delighted with the better defensive display after conceding seven goals in the previous two games – and being hit for six last time they met Falkirk at the beginning of the season.

He said: “It doesn’t feel like a defeat because we played really well.

“It’s a wee bit of a contentious decision but, at the end of the day, the referee saw it and has given the penalty.

“If it hit his hand and he’s in the box then it’s a penalty and there’s nothing we can do about it.

<p><strong>READ MORE:<a href="https://www.dumbartonreporter.co.uk/sport/18046590.late-penalty-denies-dumbarton-three-points-home-falkirk/////"> Late penalty denies Dumbarton all three points at home against Falkirk</a></strong></p>

“We were playing a team who really went to town on us earlier in the season and today we were more than a match for them.

“I thought we stood up to be counted today and that was vital.

“I thought we scored a fantastic goal and defended really well which was good on the back of some sloppy performances.

“I’m gutted for the players because I felt we deserved more today.

“Before the game if someone had said you’ll get a point against Falkirk, you’d probably think that’s a decent result.”

Isaac Layne was on the scoresheet for the first time in six games after being left out of the starting XI last week against East Fife.

And after coming back into the team, the Sons boss was full of praise for the striker.

He added: “I thought he was the top man from both teams.

“I said to him that he’s got that type of performance in him, we just have to try and drag it out a few more times.”

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