Pouring rain didn't dampen the spirits of Tauranga City United AFC's premier team on Saturday.

Up against a formidable Bay Olympic, who sit top of the table in the premier division, the Blues scored first in their second home game of the season.

The Blues celebrate their first goal against the top team of the premier division. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Josh Nelson put Tauranga on the board in the 8th minute scoring right in front of goal, after a pass from Nathan Farey from near the opposition's corner that went over the head of Bay players.

Farey got the ball off Jerahl Hughes who got pinned down by several Bay players in the corner and couldn't get himself out of a tight spot.

Ben Billings scored for Bay Olympic to make it 1-1.

Colm Kenny scored a formidable goal in the 33rd minute, picking up the ball from a pass by Josh Nelson, from just over half way, which bounced off a Bay player's foot. A quick jump and turn meant he could flick the ball straight into the net.

'A tremendous shot,” says coach Duncan Lowry. 'He didn't give the keeper a chance.”

In the first half Tauranga kept up the pressure and had several chances at goal, but in the second half Bay Olympic denied them all chances, while at the same time pressuring the Blues' defence.

Goalkeepers of both teams made some great saves. The final score was 2-1 for Tauranga City United AFC.

Tauranga now sit third on the premier division ladder with 7 points, behind Bay Olympic who have 9 points and Western Springs who have 7 points.

Next Saturday the team play again in Auckland 23 April at Keith Hay Park 1 against Three Kings United. Three Kings are 6th on the ladder at present and last year were on the bottom rung.

Three Kings United are past Chatham Cup finalists (2009) and in 2010 were 6th in the Premier Division and in 2011 the occupied second place in the same division.

It being ANZAC weekend the team has another game on Monday, at home, against Melville, a Hamilton side the Blues have played in pre-season, so this is a team they know a bit about.

'We have some sore bodies and some players with injuries,” says Duncan, which means the boys are getting Tuesday night off to relax at the hot pools and nurse sore limb.

Watch highlights of the game below:

To view more footage visit Tauranga City United's YouTube page.