MIDFIELDER Steven Hetherington believes the character shown by Alloa in their draw at Dunfermline can help keep them in the Championship.

The Wasps had fallen behind to a Aidan Keena strike and unfortunate Iain Flannigan own goal as they trailed at the break.

But, a superb brace from Alan Trouten – including a stunning stoppage time equaliser – secured a vital point as ensured Alloa remained clear of the relegation zone for another week.

And after such an abject showing in the first half, Hetherington revealed the Wasps found belief at half time after being reminded of their recent success in fighting back for points.

The 25-year-old told Advertiser Sport: "We just talked about believing in ourselves and believing we could do it.

"The manager mentioned to us that we had done it on numerous occasions and wanted us to move on and forget the first half.

"It's not just been in the recent time, there's been times last year in which we've shown the character to fight back.

"We just don't know when we're beat. It can be frustrating at times that we find ourselves in that position.

"But, sometimes those things happen and you just have to fightback and that's one hundred percent that's the sort of character that can keep us in this league."

It was the fourth time in five games in which the Wasps have fought back from losing positions to claim either a point or all three in the last month.

Crucial points against Falkirk, Partick Thistle, Dundee United, and now Dunfermline have been secured to take Alloa to eighth in the table.

However, Hetherington was keen to emphasise the dressing room's disappointment at their poor performance in the opening 45.

The Englishman continued: "To get a point from being 2-0 down at half time feels great, but there's no hiding from the fact that the first half performance collectively and individually was not good enough.

"We made some changes to the team as you could see the midfield was being overrun in the first half. So, we changed the shape and got our foot on the ball much better.

"From the position we were in, you'd have taken your hand off for a point. But, it's also frustrating that we came out and played so well in the second half and that contrasted against the first half.

"It shouldn't have taken us to go two down to kick on and play like that in the second.

"But, on a whole, I think we probably got what we deserved from the game. They were dominant in the first half, but we bounced back in the second."

Alloa's two goal fightback was inspired by a double from Alan Trouten. The former Brechin City player notched his 13th and 14th goals of the season and third brace of the campaign.

The 33-year-old has proven to be a key signing for the Wasps this term and Hetherington was full of praise for the diminutive forward.

He added: "I've no idea how Trouts puts the first one away, but we'll take it. The second one sums him up.

"He's always getting in dangerous positions and you know you can always count on him."