DARIAN MACKINNON reckons Hamilton deserved better from their defeat to Rangers after going down 4-1 at the Hope Stadium on Sunday.

Martin Canning’s side had a shock win in their sights when Steven Boyd cancelled out Ryan Kent’s opener with a stunning late strike.

But two penalties from James Tavernier and an Alfredo Morelos effort in injury-time were enough to clinch the points for the Light Blues.

The spot-kick calls were both against Alex Penny as he was penalised for handball and a foul on Morelos during a frantic finale.

And midfielder MacKinnon believes it was an opportunity missed for Accies as they battled well with Steven Gerrard’s side.

He said: "I was disappointed with the first Rangers penalty because Andrew Dallas had the same view as me.

"I wasn't entirely sure where it hit him and I said to the ref, 'Did you see it?' He said it was him that called it - and not the linesman.

"But I don't know how he could see it because I couldn't - and I was standing in the same position as him. If it is the right decision, then fair enough.

"Gary Woods was going mental after the game because we were all bombing on at 3-1.

"This sounds strange but I'd rather get beaten 4-1 trying to chase the game - rather than sitting back and taking a doing.

"It was a chance lost for us - absolutely. At 1-1, I knew Rangers would have to go and push on.

"I felt there would be space in behind for us to go and attack. It's probably schoolboy from us, giving the chance away.

"After you score, you are always vulnerable. There wasn't long between the goals.

"Easter Road was a sore one to watch and it isn't easy. I've been to Parkhead and been hammered 8-1 and it's not nice.

"When you are playing against the better teams in the league and you aren't at it, they will destroy you.

"But I thought we were bang at it against Rangers and 4-1 doesn't reflect the game."