City’s Under-18s endured only their second defeat of the season at in-form Wolves in the Barclays Premier Academy League.

Coach Adam Sadler named a younger line-up in light of the NextGen Series game against Celtic on Monday, making eight changes from the team that started in the 0-0 draw against West Brom last week.

But they were up against a Wolves side fresh from beating Manchester United 5-2 and looking to build on that. 

The Blues started brightly and dominated play, pushing for an opener to gain the early initiative. However, against the run of play, Wolves grabbed an opportunity to put them ahead.

So City went into half-time a goal down but remained positive and, after the break, started with a sprightly determination and pressed forward with vigour.

Despite the offensive play, Wolves attacked and unleashed a fierce shot that City goalkeeper Tom Halsall could only parry. The home side followed the rebound in to double their lead and from then on, the young Blues struggled to get back into the game.

But they refused to give up hope, continuing to chase the goal that would get them back into the game

Despite the young average age of the starting line-up, the team maintained a positive attitude and continued to work hard and pushed Wolves to get onto the score-sheet.

However it was while chasing the game that City conceded a third goal, ending hopes of a point and leaving the team with a fortnight's wait to get baack on track against Stoke at Platt Lane.

Head of Academy Mark Allen remained upbeat and was quick to salute the experience the game presented to the younger players who participated.

“The scoreline doesn’t reflect the game,” Allen said. “The boys have done really well and from a football perspective played really well.

"We dominated the game and credit to Wolves they had three chances and took them. It’s a lesson for the boys and a great learning experience but we all know it is goals that win games.”