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Bombers hold off determined Bulldogs

Essendon recorded their fifth win of the season when they defeated the Western Bulldogs by 26 points at Telstra Dome tonight.

Essendon fought off an early challenge in the last quarter to win 18.13.121 to 14.11.95.

The Bombers led at every change - by 12 points at quarter time, 19 points at half time and 22 points at three quarter time and while the Bulldogs valiantly tried to overhaul Essendon on a number of occasions, Essendon responded to every challenge.

Essendon kicked the opening three goals in the first quarter, before the Bulldogs answered with two consecutive majors.

The Bulldogs kicked 3 of the last five goals for the termand were dominating the ruck duels.

The second quarter saw the Bulldogs make the first assault on goals only to be thwarted by James Hird who turned defense into attack, passing to Adam McPhee who set-up Matthew Lloyd for his first goal for the night.

Essendon had chances to put scoreboard pressure on the Bulldogs early in the second quarter but could only register minors.

Essendon lost play maker Adam McPhee who left the ground after being on the end of a bruising, but fair, hip and shoulder.

The Bulldogs kicked their first major for the term when Matthew Robbins was awarded a 50m penalty and scored his second goal for the night.

Goals to Peter Street and Brad Johnson saw the Bulldogs trail by one goal, however a goal to Joe Misiti saw the Bombers increase the margin back to two goals.

Brad Johnson lead the charge for the Bulldogs kicking two goals in the quarter, while at the other end of the ground, Matthew Lloyd scored three goals in the second term.

The Bulldogs continued to throw everything at the Bombers and kicked the opening goal for the third term, however every time the Bulldogs added to the scoreboard, Essendon responded almost immediately.

The Bulldogs kicked the first two goals for the last quarter, only to have Essendon respond with two consecutive goals to put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs.

Matthew Lloyd was the leading goal kicker for the night with 5 goals, while Nathan Lovett-Murray booted three goals for Essendon. Brad Johnson and Matthew Robbins both chipped in with three goals each for the Bulldogs.

For Essendon, Jason Johnson was inspirational in his second match back after being out of the game for a month with a hamstring injury racking up 26 possessions, while Justin Murphy was among the best with 12 kicks, 13 handballs, 11 marks and two goals.

Rohan Smith was best on ground for the Bulldogs with 24 kicks and 4 handballs, while Brad Johnson finished the night with 24 disposals and 11 marks.