Tauranga City United have suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Onehunga Sports at the weekend.

But the local team will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they take on Birkenhead United on Saturday.

Tauranga City United in action against Onehunga at Links Ave at the weekend. Photo: YouTube.

It's been a steep learning curve for the boys in Blue this season after their promotion from the Northern Regional Football League Division One.

United haven't been able to put a win on the board since a 2-1 win over Bay Olympic in round four.

Unfortunately Sunday's match at Links Ave saw the side struggle to make inroads against the green machine Onehunga team.

The visitors looked to maintain pressure early on in the match with Onehunga having the bulk of the position. Although the home side did get their chances it was Onehunga who open the scoring.

From a corner Onehunga managed to draw United's goalie out of position but quick footwork from the goalie and a defender managed to repel the first attack.

However, a cannon like shot from an Onehunga player from about 20m out, blasted passed a valiant attempt from the goalie.

United had their chances but often lacked the finishing touches to convert those opportunities into points. Both sides went into the break possibly regretting those missed opportunities.

The home side would regret it more especially with Onehunga constantly peppering their goal in the second spell. The pressure would eventually pay dividends for the visitors who would convert a relatively easy opportunity to go 2-0 up in the second half.

United now travel to Shepherds Park to take on Birkenhead (24 points)who currently side third on the ladder behind Onehunga Sports (25 points) and Eastern Suburbs (28 points).

In the other results of the round Melville United and Bay Olympic had a 3-3 draw, Forrest Hill Milford won 3-1 over Western Springs, Eastern Suburbs beat Hamilton Wanderers 2-0, Birkenhead beat East Coast Bays 4-2 and Central United and Glenfield Rovers drew 2-2. Three Kings had the bye.