PORT ADELAIDE'S Academy side has once again been left to lament missed opportunities after falling short to West Adelaide by five points on Saturday.

The Bloods survived a late charge from the Magpies, which saw the home side in front with six minutes to go despite trailing at every break.

A strong mark from Nathan Krakouer saw him slot his second goal at the 15-minute mark of the final term to put the Magpies in front for the first time, but a late goal from West Adelaide's Schott saw the Bloods hold on to register its first win of the season in a nail-biter.

The visitors kicked the first two goals of the game and looked dangerous out of the middle, but the Academy fought its way back with the help of Krakouer and Ben Coulson in the middle to peg back the margin to just seven points at quarter time.

The Magpies recorded more clearances (25-19) and managed to get the ball inside their attacking 50 more often than the Bloods, but failed to make the most of their opportunities in their attacking arc.

West Adelaide however proved more capable at securing shots on goal and held a comfortable 22-point lead at half time.

The Magpies however worked hard to get back into the game and again dominated possession in the second half.

But despite its efforts - and improved kicking at goal - the Magpies were unable to regain the lead after the Bloods' late sealer.

Coach Jacob Surjan told portadelaidefc.com.au he was pleased with his side's ability to fight back and get in front late in the game after a poor second quarter.

"We were really aggressive in that last quarter, but it shows that you really have to play four quarters of football and our second quarter wasn't up to scratch," Surjan said.

"We had the wind in the second term but we didn't make the most of it.

"But I was really proud of the boys' ability to fight back and get in front but we need to be a little smarter when we do get in front.

"It was unfortunate to come so close and lose but we are moving in the right direction."

The Academy has the bye next week with the League side travelling to Clare to play the Crows state league team.

SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE      2.0      4.1      7.3      11.7 (73)
WEST ADELAIDE      3.1      7.5      8.9      11.12 (78)

Goals
Davidson 4, Krakouer 2, Gordon, Ross, Deeley-Godfrey, Foster, Hamilton

portadelaidefc.com.au’s best
Krakouer, Masters, Hamilton, Davidson

Injuries
Foster