City U18's conceded three late goals to lose at Carrington in their first game of 2010.
The Potters started well, Andy Nicholls well placed header opening the scoring in the first half, and led at half time before doubling their lead shortly after the break courtesy of an own goal.
City were playing their first game since December 12th due to postponements and the hosts superior match fitness level showed as the game wore on with a trio of late strikes to turn the game around.
Firstly a disgraceful penalty decision, where Potters keeper David Parton actually stopped the ball with his stomach, allowed the hosts back into the game before they struck an equaliser in the 80th minute when Parton's save fell straight to a United player to roll the ball in and then when a cross was half blocked the ball ricocheted to the edge of the six yard box, dropping at the feet of a striker, who slid the winner home with just four minutes remaining.
City will now be looking to pick themselves up for the FA Youth Cup 4th round tie ata home to Hull, to be played on Tuesday at the Britannia Stadium, ko 7pm.