City had plenty of chances to score early in the match, but were unable to convert any before Hobart's Adam McKeown slotted a header into the bottom right corner to put the Zebras one up in the 31st minute.

Hobart looked dangerous heading into half-time, with McKeown missing an opportunity for a second just minutes after his first.

Both sides were left unchanged from the break and the Zebras again came out firing.

Kurt Engels managed to put one past City keeper David Smith after an assist from Ricky Self just three minutes into the second half.

City's shot at redemption came 11 minutes later, with a goal from Dominic Rossi putting the Launceston side back into contention.

The decision was controversial, as the ball had appeared to be cleared off the line and was not flagged by the linesman, but the goal was awarded by referee Kim Barker.

A subsequent attempt on goal from Launceston's Hayoto Ogusu from 27 metres in the 66th minute sailed just over the bar.

City pushed hard for an equaliser throughout the rest of the match, but were unable to alter the scoreline.

Hobart's Self and McKeown were both given yellow cards throughout the match; Self for a late tackle and McKeown for dissent in the 90th minute.

City's Andrew Trethowan also saw yellow for a mistimed tackle.

In Saturday's other game, Olympia FC Warriors defeated the Devonport Strikers 2-0 at Valley Road.

The Northern Rangers will take on the Kingborough Lions at the NTCA grounds on Sunday, while the Glenorchy Knights will face South Hobart at KGV Football Park.