Valeris Bojinov continued his return from injury by netting from the penalty spot last night against Manchester United but City's reserves were pipped 2-1 at Altrincham by a United side that included Brazilian senior midfielder Anderson.
Bulgaria striker Bojinov, who was injured at the start of the season, scored on the stroke of half time but City - looking to go back to the top of the table above Sunderland - already trailed to goals from Matthew James and Federico Macheda.
City: Johansen, Obeng, McGivern, Mee, Brown, Kay, Etuhu (Trippier, 46), Tsiaklis, Ball, Bojinov, Moore (Daly 72).
United: Amos, Eckersley, Fabio (Derbyshire, 62), C Evans, De Laet, James, Drinkwater (Brady, 79), Anderson (Norwood, 46), Macheda, Martin, Tosic.
