Andrew Tutte's 90th minute penalty preserved City's title hopes in an absorbing Manchester derby at Altrincham's Moss Lane.

City dominated the majority of the match but had to battle back from 2-0 down after missing a host of early chances.

The Blues, with Nedum Onuoha and Dedryck Boyata among an experienced defence, began brightly with John Guidetti and Alex Nimely combining well up front with their speed and aggression.

With Kieran Trippier and Javan Vidal back from loan spells at Barnsley and Derby respectively, City had more verve and energy in midfield and could have been three goals up inside the first ten minutes had three presentable chances been converted.

United gradually felt their way into the game and poor marking in the City defence allowed Reece Brown to head powerfully past David Gonzales for the opening goal on 19 minutes.

Eight minutes later the Reds made it 2-0 when William Keane's cheeky back-heel finished an incisive passing move as the game seemed to be slipping away from Andy Welsh's side.

City needed a quick response and on 33 minutes, they pulled a goal back when Boyata met Trippier's corner and Nimely poked the ball home from close range.

The second half continued where the first had left, with the Blues in control but unable to finish a number of opportunities.

United were clinging on and, as the match moved towards injury time, substitute Robbie Mak took the ball into the box, cut inside and as the Reds' defender fell, his hand clearly stopped the ball.

The referee pointed to the spot and Tutte stepped up to slot the ball home and send the City fans in the bumper 2,039 crowd home feeling justice had been done.