PORT Adelaide SANFL coach Chad Cornes was left to rue a poor first quarter against Sturt, which led to a 22-point loss at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

The Magpies allowed the Double Blues to boot seven first-term goals to just two and it set up the top-side’s eighth consecutive victory.

The Double Blues’ first quarter goals, much to Cornes’ frustration, came from turnovers following simple errors in defence.

“We just looked at the stats and seven goals to one (were scored) from turn over in the first quarter,” Cornes said.

“I thought the effort and the energy was good from the start, but when you’re giving the opposition so much ball, it can be really deflating.

“Just kicking the ball straight back to them (Sturt) in the first couple of minutes.

“They are a really good team, so a few of them (miskicks) were from that pressure, but we didn’t do ourselves any favours.”

Port’s on-ball brigade, however, fought hard from then on.

Brendon Ah Chee (23 disposals, nine clearances), Jimmy Toumpas (24 disposals, three clearances) and Karl Amon (22 disposals, six clearances), led the way in the midfield, while Tom Clurey and Riley Bonner battled hard down back, combing for six defensive rebounds.

Cornes said he took solace from Port’s spirited fight back, especially during the final term, when it kicked three goals to Sturt’s one, saving the game from being a blowout.

“After that (first quarter) I was really happy with the effort,” Cornes said.

“From what it could’ve been, the score ended up not too bad after the start we had.

“The guy I was most impressed with was Aidyn Johnson and he played a similar game to what Jake Neade played (in the Port’s AFL game against the Bulldogs).

“The guy who has had a tough time of late is Tom Clurey and I thought he battled hard and played tough.”

Port Adelaide travels to Noarlunga on Saturday June 18 to play South Adelaide.

The Magpies last played the Panthers in round nine at Alberton Oval and chalked up a 48-point win.

Cornes hoped his side would take confidence from their last encounter and produce a strong performance and a much-needed win next weekend.