City reserves 1, Stoke reserves 2: The days of chasing Liverpool's tails for 90 minutes are a thing of the past - for the time being at least.

After winning only three out of 28 games last season, City's second string did not shed too many tears about waving goodbye to the Premier Reserve League at the end of their extended stay.

Stoke in the Pontin's Holiday League may not have the same ring to it as Manchester United or Newcastle. But it is a more level playing field on which to press claims for First Division places.

There were a few hoping to do just that last night in a strong home side which was captained by Tom Kearney.

Most of City's liveliest work came on the right where right back Frazer McHugh and Kevin Sanasy, operating from midfield, shuttled up and down at every chance.

But Stoke grabbed the lead after 28 minutes when Lee Parsons was allowed to run unchecked from the right and slid his shot past Alan Combe.

Three minutes later City were level through McHugh, whose strike was every bit as special as the two corkers served up at Ninian Park.

Taking a lay-off from Robert Wolleaston after a great run into space, McHugh used the striker as a decoy and rolled the ball inside on to his left foot before letting rip with a belt from 25 yards that scorched into the net off keeper David Clarke's fingertips.

Gareth Owen and Michael Standing hit the woodwork at both ends before Stoke regained the lead on the hour as Combe was caught off his line by Lawrence Hall's looping header.

Danny Forrest, left on the bench, finally got his chance after 66 minutes. But it was the other substitute, Tom Penford, who came closest to equalising with a shot that grazed the bar.

City fielded silver-booted midfielder Deon Meikle on trial from Eastwood Town.

City: Combe, McHugh, Wright, Kearney, Ellis, Folkes, Sanasy, Standing, Wolleaston, Cornwall (Forrest 66), Meikle (Penford 84). Subs (not used): Bentham, Flynn, O'Malley.