Joe Thomson was denied his first senior goal by a questionable refereeing decision late on as Dumbarton drew 1-1 with Greenock Morton at Cappielow Park.

A Derek Gaston own-goal initially put the Sons ahead in the first half, but substitute Kudus Oyenuga levelled for the home side after 60 minutes.

But 19-year-old Joe Thomson, on loan from Celtic, had his strike on 83 minutes chalked off by referee Mat Northcroft, after he deemed Robert Thomson to have fouled the goalkeeper.

Sons manager Stevie Aitken will feel his side deserved more after edging the play against the Ton over the course of the 90 minutes, missing out on their first away win in over eight months in the league.

The away side started strongly, Robert Thomson's volley was hit over the bar after 20 minutes.

And they did not have to wait long to get the opener.

After 26 minutes, a Ryan Stevenson set-piece was bundled into the net after Gaston attempted to punch the ball clear, but it comically spun back into his own net to give the visitors the lead.

Sons goalkeeper Alan Martin was first called into action after 43 minutes, coming forward to confidently claim a cross.

Morton only had one attempt at goal in the first half, a wayward header by Thomas O’Ware minutes later.

The defender connected with Ross Forbes free-kick, a combination which created their league opener against St Mirren two weeks ago, but the duo were unable to repeat history as the effort went wide.

“Terrible”, “shocking play” home fans cried, clearly not impressed with their side's performance as Dumbarton back four continued to deal with every long ball thrown at them.

Aitken, who played over 100 games for Morton, had come back to his old hunting ground with a game plan, and his players were executing it to a tee.

Morton came out with far more energy and intensity in the second half, and their lackadaisical efforts were soon a thing of the past as they began to set up camp in the Sons half.

And they got their reward after 62 minutes when substitute Oyenuga brought his team back level.

However former Hartlepool player who missed a glorious chance just minutes earlier.

But the striker, who thought he would drown when the hotel he was staying at in Gourock flooded while on trial with Jim Duffy’s side earlier in the summer did not get that sinking feeling again.

The 23-year-old was left wide open in the centre of the box as he nodded in Michael Tidser crossed in from the right, the only black mark on the Sons defence for the afternoon.

The game began to open up after the equaliser, with both the Ton and the Sons having good chances to claim all three points.

Oyenuga again had another chance to score, the striker hitting the ball wide after 68 minutes, and Gallagher flicked Scott Tiffoney’s cross on to his own crossbar after 77 minutes.

Martin was rooted to the spot as he could only watch on as his teammate’s clearance bounced off the bar, much to the relief of the visiting Sons fans.

But the talking point of the match happened just six minutes later, as Joe Thomson’s celebrations were cut short.

As Mark Docherty’s fired a cross was fired in, Robert Thomson went up to challenge Gaston for the ball, and it fell to Celtic loanee, who sweetly struck the ball, crashing off the underside of the crossbar into the net from 20 yards out.

But as he wheeled off to celebrate with his teammates, the linesman appeared belatedly give a foul for the challenge on the Morton goalkeeper, and the referee, who initially gave nothing, blew his whistle long after the incident occurred.

Morton had several chances to score deep into injury time, but the Sons will feel its two points lost rather than a point gained after their performance.

Their next game is away to Falkirk on Saturday.

Dumbarton fans are also reminded the next home game against Hibernian on Saturday, September 10, is an all-ticket game.

Prices are £20 for adults and £10 for concessions and Dumbarton season ticket holders will need to swap a voucher from their ST book for a match ticket.

Morton: Gaston, Kilday, Lamie, O’Ware, Doyle, Oliver (Scullion, 83), Forbes, Lindsay (Oyenuga, 60), Tiffoney, Tidser, Quitongo.

Subs not used: McNeil, McAleer, McDonagh, Russell, Strapp.

Dumbarton: Martin, Pettigrew, Docherty, Thomson, Buchanan, Stevenson, Todd, Gallagher, Thomson, Harvie, Smith (Sterling, 74).

Subs not used: Ewings, Barr, McCallum, Clark, Kassarate.