Denis Suarez was on target twice as City's EDS beat Stoke City Under-21s 2-1 in a game that saw Jack Rodwell return to action.

In a game played at Nantwich Town, the Potters took the lead through George Rigg on 12 minutes with the Stoke defender rifling the ball past Ian Lawlor from 20 yards.

But the Blues responded well, prompted by Rodwell and Marcos Lopes who were causing the hosts numerous problems and combining to set up Suarez who raced through to level on 27 minutes.

City created several more chances before the break and Albert Rusnak, Rodwell and Suarez could all have put the visitors ahead following fine work by Lopes.

The Blues continued where they’d left off after half-time and when Lopes found Rodwell in the box, the shot was parried and Suarez tapped home to make it 2-1 on the hour-mark.

Rodwell was replaced soon after having played a valuable 63 minutes’ action as he continued to build his match-fitness with an impressive performance.

City controlled affairs thereafter with Dedryck Boyata outstanding in defence and Lopes and Rusnak could have increased the lead as Attilio Lombardo’s men cruised to a second successive victory.