JIM Duffy believes his Morton side’s determination and organisation were key factors in coming away from East End Park on Saturday with a point.

Duffy’s men were placed under serious scrutiny by Dunfermline Athletic, but held out to post a 0-0 draw in ‘horrendous conditions’.

Freezing temperatures, a blustery wind and frequent flurries of snow were the order of the day, but Duffy’s troops kept the Pars at bay to ensure a share of the spoils.

Ton did have the woodwork to thank in the second 45 after Tom Beadling’s effort came off the crossbar, while Dunfermline substitute Daniel Armstrong rattled the post.

But at full-time the Ton manager was satisfied with his side’s showing overall.

He told Tele Sport: “I’m delighted with the point, those were horrendous conditions for players to play in, to be honest. 

“There was a swirling wind, that made things difficult. 

“Players hate playing in those conditions. They don’t mind the cold, but the wind is the one thing that makes it challenging.

“Dunfermline probably had the majority of the game and they hit the woodwork in the second half and [Derek] Gaston’s made a couple of good saves. But our determination and organisation got us a point.

“And the attitude of the players was terrific. It wasn’t a classic by any stretch of the imagination.

“But in these type of conditions, to keep a clean sheet and to come back with a point, I’m absolutely delighted.”

Ton skipper Thomas O’Ware walked a red card tightrope after an 11th-minute booking but he was sufficiently composed at the back to see out the game without further incident.

Duffy said: “He got an early booking so you have got to be careful. But I thought he was excellent in the second half.

“To be honest, defensively, we did very well. But we were never really an attacking threat.

“In the first half we had one or two opportunities but in the second half Dunfermline had the wind advantage and they penned us in a little bit without too many goal scoring opportunities.

“There was one in particular when Declan McManus stood on the ball but the keeper’s saved it.

“That was a great chance. Obviously you need a wee bit of luck now and again and on that particular occasion we got it. But from our point of view it’s another clean sheet away from home and a point. We’re delighted.

“Our defensive away record’s been exceptional this year and it’s continued.”

Ton now bring to a close a hectic period of activity where they have been on the road seven times out of their last eight fixtures.

Duffy said: “It’s been a very difficult period and for us, on the back of three games in a week as well.

“We knew it would be tough and we knew it would be close but I think Allan [Johnston] will be a wee bit disappointed that his team did not take all three points.”