Tauranga City United AFC's premier team has bagged its third loss and the second one in a weekend.

After losing in the last five minutes to Three Kings United in Auckland on Saturday the determined Tauranga side faced Hamilton team Melville United at Links Ave and lost 0-1. They now sit eighth on the competition ladder.

Tauranga City oozes determination, shown here by Josh Nelson.

Anzac weekend was tough for the club, says premier team coach Duncan Lowry. That goes for everyone, from coaching staff to players to supporters. The latter show up in great numbers each home game and many travels to away games.

On Anzac Day Tauranga hosted Hamilton side Melville United and lost 0-1, in the 54^th minute, from a free kick.

At half time it was nil-all with Tauranga having had to play into the sun. They'd hoped for better condition in the second half, but the sky decided otherwise.

'The sun dropped in the second half and made it even harder,” says Duncan. Tauranga had a few chances at goal, but couldn't make it happen.

Facing another draw, the coach changed tactics in the second half. Taking Colm Kenny off the field and replacing him with Andrew Cooper gave the team two forwards. To no avail.

The opposition keeper made some good saves throughout the game and Tauranga's top goalgetter, Jerahl Hughes, pulled down in the opposition penalty box, couldn't capitalise on that advantage.

Melville scored the one goal in the 54^th minute. 'A great score from a corner,” admits Duncan.

With two wins, one draw, and now three losses, from six games, the pressure is mounting on the Blues. A winning streak is needed as they are now eighth on the ladder. 'Next week we got to win,” Duncan says.

They travel to Auckland's North Shore to face Forrest Hill/Milford United AFC, a club they know well and Tauranga must win this game.

Both Tauranga and Forrest Hill/Milford were in the second division two years ago, and in division one last year.

Tauranga won Division two in 2014, with Forrestt Hill/Milford coming second. Last year those positions were reversed.

Kind of knowing a team or club does not guarantee a win, says coach Duncan Lowry. 'Teams change each year. Depending on who shows up on the day, how they feel and how much luck you have, the outcome is still very unpredictable.”

Nathan Farhey advances on Melville goal line from the right.

Tauranga goalkeeper Thomas Pamment restarts the game.