FALKIRK 2 Leahy (37), Austin (59) DUMBARTON 2 Vaughan (38), Stirling (51)

NATHAN Austin’s classy left-foot finish extended Falkirk’s unbeaten start to 2017 but for the second time in seven days, frustration was the overriding emotion as they were forced to settle for another 2-2 draw.

Last week’s Cappielow stalemate was a missed opportunity and so was yesterday’s result, especially as promotion rivals Dundee United and Morton both dropped points when they drew at Tannadice.

“That’s seven games unbeaten and yet here I am very, very disappointed,” admitted Bairns boss Peter Houston.

“Dumbarton deserved a point, but we had a chance to go second in the table.

“I look at our performances against Dundee United and Dunfermline, and then our performances against Ayr and Dumbarton today, and we’re just not producing what we should, quite frankly. You can’t be up one week and down the next. You have to show more consistency.”

Austin gave Dumbarton ample warning of the threat he poses as early as the 11th minute when he skipped past ex-Bairn Darren Barr before sending a looping header over keeper Alan Martin which then bounced narrowly wide.

He and Myles Hippolyte are clearly on the same wavelength and only desperate defending prevented Austin getting on to the end of Hippolyte’s cross to the near post.

Paul Watson’s header was another heart-in-the-mouth moment for the visitors, but the opening goal was coming and Falkirk left-back Luke Leahy made the breakthrough in style with a spectacular 37th-minute volley.

The lead lasted less than 60 seconds, though, as Lewis Vaughan beat Danny Rogers from long range, and the home keeper was picking the ball out of the net once again early in the second period after Andy Stirling’s leftfoot drive found the top corner.

Austin’s measured equaliser steadied home nerves and manager Houston boldly brought on Fraser Aird, John Baird and Bob McHugh in an unsuccessful bid to snatch all three points.