POOR accuracy proved extremely costly as Ports slumped to a 13-point loss to reigning premiers Esperance under lights at Esperance oval on Saturday night.
Fresh from their first win of the year Ports slumped to their fourth loss of 2008, despite classy midfielder Cale Walker taking his place in the line-up under permit.
After accounting for Gibson last week the Blues started the game positively kicking four goals and setting up a 15-point buffer going into the first break.
With just two goals on the board Esperance needed to produce something special and in the second quarter the Bulldogs picked up the pace, kicking an impressive eight goals for the term.
After being 15 points down the Bulldogs were able to relax a little at half time with the side going back into the change rooms 20 points up, placing the Blues firmly under the hammer in the second half.
While little separated then two sides for the remainder of the game it was the Blues poor accuracy which left the side reeling, the visitors converting just 11 of 31 scoring opportunities including just five of 15 in the second half.
Esperance were far more opportunistic, making the most of their chances with 11 players in their goal-kicking list, Tristan McKenzie heading the scorers with a tally of three.
Ryan Neill (two goals) played far better after struggling a little the past fortnight and gave the Bulldogs some solid drive into the forward lines while Roger Parsons did another great job across half forward.
Michael Edwards (two goals) andTrevor Anderson both played well while Damien Wood was a welcome return to the league side.
For the blues the result may well have been far different with more accuracy in front of goals despite the efforts of full forward Nigel Johnston (three goals).
Brian Sylva also played well while Isaac Puna (two goals) made his presence felt throughout the match as did Peter Evans and Walker, until he was red carded.
Final scores Esperance 15.9 (99) b Ports 11.20 (86)
The reserves saw Ports looking a lot better with former league wingman Scott Stihec stealing the show with a five-goal haul.
Esperance put in one of their best efforts this season kicking an impressive seven straight goals.
Despite this the Blues still had enough in hand to pull off their third win of the season with a 41-point buffer.
Final score Ports 12.11 (83) b Esperance 7.0 (42)