Dunfermline goal hero Michael Moffat hailed his side’s character after helping the Pars salvage a valuable point against Airdrieonians at East End Park.
Moffat came off the bench with 20 minutes remaining to rescue his team-mates with a late equaliser which secured a vital point in the Pars’ quest to retain hopes of a place in the end of season play-offs.
The striker’s brief appearance on the pitch could have been even more dramatic as he then sent a glancing header narrowly over the crossbar from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
“It’s disappointing to be on the bench,” said Moffat, who has featured in the Fifers’ starting line up on 22 occasions this season.
“You want to be on from the start but we have a big squad and we’ve just brought three new players in so there is real competition for places.
“Still, it was good to get a goal I might even have scored another right at the end but I just misjudged the ball slightly and it hit my shoulder before slipping over the bar.
“The players showed a lot of character to come from behind twice and what we need now is to start turning these draws into victories.”
Dunfermline who fielded new signings Jim Paterson, Kyle McAusland and Andy Barrowman fell behind after 10 minutes when Jim Lister controlled a well placed cross from Jamie Bain before firing his shot beyond Ryan Scully in the Pars goal.
Only a brilliant save from Scully prevented Bryan Prunty putting the Diamonds further ahead before Dunfermline were handed a lifeline when referee Don Robertson pointed to the penalty spot following an unnecessary push on Allan Smith by Airdrie’s Scott Stewart.
Ross Millen equalised from the spot and Airdrie manager Gary Bollan was sent to the stand for protesting at the original decision.
An early second half strike from Airdrie debutant Bryan Gilfillan, who headed home powerfully from Liam Watt’s corner, restored the visitors’ lead but the home side finished the game strongly, levelling the scores when Moffat sent a low shot past Andy McNeil.
“We took time to get going and gave away sloppy goals but I thought we were the better team towards the end,” said Potter.