Manchester United youngster Nick Powell struck for the U21s in their 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
Warren Joyce's side faced a determined Potters team containing several players with top-flight experience, including Maurice Edu, Wilson Palacios and Ryan Shotton, and had to come from behind with the outstanding Powell netting a sublime equaliser towards the end of the first half.
The Reds made a terrible start on a chilly night in Altrincham and conceded a goal inside five minutes. Michele Fornasier's clearance cannoned off Jamie Ness and into the path of James Alabi who gratefully bent a finish wide of Sam Johnstone.