Former Manchester United striker Louie Bradbury continued his scoring streak against Manchester City's Academy sides, netting twice for Stoke City's Under-21s on Friday night, but the visitors still lost 4-3 in a Premier League 2 thriller.
The 18-year-old, who left Old Trafford in September to join Stoke, came off the bench midway through the first half due to injury. Despite the setback, he scored his fourth and fifth goals of the campaign against City, having previously hit a debut hat-trick against City's Under-18s in an 8-5 defeat just hours after his departure from United.
Stoke Take the Lead
Stoke, largely second best in the first half, took the lead against the run of play when substitute Thomas Midwood headed home early in the second period. Bradbury then capitalised on a slack backpass by City substitute Marlow Barrett to race clear and score Stoke's second, before netting again minutes later from the penalty spot.
Bradbury, who has represented Wales at youth level, spent four years at United. He also played for Wales Under-19s this summer, which included substitute outings against Denmark and Spain.
City's Remarkable Comeback
Despite Bradbury's brace and Stoke leading 3-0 heading into the final quarter, City staged an incredible recovery with four goals in the final 14 minutes to win the thriller. Xavier Parker pulled one back before substitute Teddie Lamb reduced the deficit to one. Harrison Miles scored a 90th-minute equaliser, and then Dexter Oliver curled in a stunning stoppage-time winner for the hosts.
Next Up for City
Oli Reiss' side return to action on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy when they visit Port Vale in a must-win tie. Anything other than three points will see City knocked out in the group stage after a win over Mansfield and a defeat at Chesterfield in their opening two games in the competition.
