Neil Danns netted a 45th minute winner for the Blues as experience got the better of youth at the Britannia Stadium.

With the first team squad on military duty in deepest Devon, Noel Blake was forced to field a side consisting entirely of Academy youngsters.

And despite a spirited battle, City succumbed to Danns' strike from the edge of the area in first half injury time.

The visitors dominated the half but the Potters' defence, marshalled by impressive captain Ryan Shotton, held firm.

Birmingham's Oliver Allen almost broke the deadlock early on but was foiled by the offside trap before Jack Watson fired a low shot into the arms of Colin Doyle at the opposite end.

Danns forced an impressive save from City 'keeper Steve Ryan before finally unpicking the rearguard on the stroke of half time.

Nathan Ford added pace to the Potters' front line after the break but an equaliser almost came from an unlikely source.

Matthew Hazley's inswinging cross found the head of James Curley, but the right back failed to get enough on the ball.

Allen was again thwarted by Ryan midway through the half, while Sone Aluko fired over.

Tom Thorley tried his luck from range but despite a late flurry of attacks, City failed to find the goal their endeavour deserved.

City: Ryan; Curley, Shotton (c), Parsons, Hazley; Grocott, Vass, Thorley, Wedderburn (Ford); Stevens (Doyle), Watson (Phillips). Subs (Not Used): St-Louis Hamilton, Lovatt.

Birmingham: Doyle; Blake, Oji (c), Painter, Campion; Till, Danns, Kilkenny, Birley; Aluko (Wright), Allen. Subs (Not Used): M Hall, Legzdins, A Hall, Price.