Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits they blew a good opportunity to close the gap on rivals Arbroath after a poor second half showing at Morton cost them dear last night.
Rankin felt his side failed to capitalise on a positive first 45 minutes at Cappielow and looked on in horror as ex-Accie Grant Gillespie was allowed the easiest of finishes at the back post 10 minutes into the second half to fire Morton in front.
The hosts doubled their advantage in 66 minutes when Alex King struck to make sure of the points, which leaves Accies in the relegation play-off spot two points clear of bottom side Cove Rangers and three adrift of Arbroath in the safety of eighth spot.
Arbroath lost 2-0 away to Inverness and Rankin believes not taking anything from Dougie Imrie's side was a big chance missed.
Rankin, whose side had won all seven of their previous games on Tuesday nights this season, said: "In the first half we had some good chances and, if anything, we were probably the better team at that point, albeit Morton had a very good chance that Tom [Sparrow] did well to clear.
"But we had some really good opportunities, we were on the front foot and were very much an attacking threat.
"When we came in at half-time we knew it was going to be a different game because the wind was playing a massive part and the conditions weren't great, but the boys were confident going back out.
"Then we lose a cheap goal from a set play and Gillespie taps in at the back post.
"It's come in over bodies and that can't happen, someone being able to just pass the ball into the net from six yards.
"Somebody has got to be aggressive there and get a head on it. We need to be braver.
"That changes the game because it was fairly even up until that point.
"So we were disappointed with how we lost the first goal, but we have opportunities to get ourselves back into it after that.
"Then they catch us on the counter and that is disappointing because I felt there was an opportunity to get something from the game, and that is tough when you look at the other results as well."
He added: "The boys said everything they had to in the dressing room afterwards. I didn't have to say too much.
"They know two mistakes have cost us and, listen, that's why we are where we are - we need to eradicate these mistakes from our game."
One positive for Rankin to take from the game was the return of midfielder Lewis Spence after nine months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The 27-year-old came on for the final few minutes of the match and Rankin said: "Spenny getting minutes under his belt helps him after a long time out.
"But seeing him back on the pitch will give everybody else in the squad a boost as well.
"That is the one shining light from the game, that he is back fit and able to help the team at an important time in the season."
A trip to title chasing Queen's Park now awaits Accies on Friday night.
"As disappointing as the Morton game is, we have an opportunity to put things right quickly," said Rankin.
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