City's second string succumbed to a 90th minute goal to undeservedly lose 2-1 to Wolves.
Academy coach Adie Pennock fielded a young side, which went behind to a goal from Wolves' Denes Rosa early in the second half.
Marc Grocott headed in an equliser for the Potters after 65 minutes, but Sam Winnell tapped in a late winner for Wolves after an even second half.
Stoke had the better of the first half, with Grocott going close in the first ten minutes, firing wide when one on one wit hthe Wolves 'keeper.
City 'keeper Steve Ryan had relatively little to do before half time, his main moment being to parry wide a long range effort from Wolves' Alex Melbourne.
Stoke went behind early in the second half after a stunning 30 yard strike from Rosa, which flew into the top right hand corner.
City made two changes before the hour, bringing on Ashley Page and Jack Watson for Salif Diao Jiminez and Rodney McDonald.
Minutes later Stoke earned a deserved equaliser when a cross from Keiron Parsons was met with a powerful header by Grocott.
Stoke brought on more fresh legs when Tom Urwin replaced the lively Yusuf Yilmaz jsut after.
The Potters continued to press for a winner, with Jimmy Phillips going close after a good run down the right.
Ryan had to be on his toes to expertly deny Winnall when he was through on goal with twenty minutes remaining.
In the last minute of normal time a tiring defence allowed Wolves' Mark Salmon to run through the middle and round Ryan, and Winnall was on hand to tap the ball home to signall heartbreak for City.
This meant defeat for Stoke in their last reserve game of the season but can be pleased with their efforts, especially the young players who have shown promise in the reserves this year.
CITY (4-4-2): Ryan; Diao-Jiminez, Cohen, McDonald, Vauls; J. Phillips, Thorley, Wedderburn, Yilmaz; Grocott, Parsons. Subs: Page, Watson, Vickers, Urwin, Moult.
WOLVES: Lumley, Davis, Bailey, Salmon, Malone, Tulloch, Melbourne, Rose, Hemmings, Hughes, Bennett. Subs: Kasiama, Woolley, Davis, Winnall, Guerin-Lokonga.
