City's youth team followed their first defeat away to Sunderland last week with a defeat to Derby County on home soil.
The Rams put three goals past keeper Tom Harrison on his debut for Adrian Pennock's men.
The Potters were three-nil down by half time, having conceded two penalties. The first penalty awarded was a dubious decision by the referee; who adjudged Nathaniel Wedderburn to have hand-balled in the area, 10 minutes into the game.
The second penalty and Derby's third goal were caused by errors in the team, the goal was caused by a mistake in the City's rearguard that allowed the visitors through.
City's youngsters were under-par first half, in a performance that was out of character, however, they came back out after the break lifted but they had a lot to do.
Second half was an up hill battle for them, the management made some changes at half time changed the team formation to 4-3-3 and it seemed to work for them.
Derby were a good team and they passed the ball around well in both halves, but in the second period the City lads matched them and began to dominate parts of the game.
In the 83rd minute came a consolation goal through Lathan Forrester. After a couple of good chances had gone begging, Dean McCormick crossed the ball for Forrester to come in far post and net the ball with some flair.
After the goal it was comfortable for Derby, who contained City well and didn't let them take advantage of any more chances.
City sustained some injuries in the clash with Darren Brunt leaving the field after 20 minute having twisted his knee in a challenge, and Marc Grocott having to go to hospital with a badly bruised ankle after 40 minutes.
Coach Adrian Pennock was disappointed with the lad's performance but suggested that some members of the team were tired. "Four of the lads played for the reserves mid-week, it is important that we don't over play them," said Pennock.
"Obviously our aim is to get them into the reserves/first team but we want to play our best team and win games; for some of the lads it was their third game in a week and that is a lot of games."
CITY (4-4-2): Harrison, Keys, Vauls, Thorley, Owens, Watson, Phillips, Wedderburn, Brunt (McDonald 20) Grocott (McCormick 40) Forrester.
Subs (not used): Parsons, Ryan, Diao.
