City's second string kicked off their Pontins League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at the Britannia Stadium.

Defender Andy Wilkinson grabbed the only goal of the game late on as assistant manager Jan De Koning fielded a strong side.

First team stars Kevin Harper, Bruce Dyer and Toddi Gudjonsson all continued their fitness battles, whilst trialist Tony Grant completed a full ninety minutes as he aims to clinch a permanent deal with the Potters.

The home side began slowly and had to rely on 'keeper Robert Duggan to keep the scores tied. The young Irishman denied Millers striker Lee Whittington before Sam Duncan dragged a shot wide.

Gudjonsson almost created an opener on the half-hour with a teasing freekick which Dyer couldn't quite connect with and then Martin Paterson saw an effort cleared off the line by Phil Gilchrist.

The Potters began to boss the game in the second-half, as Dyer headed over before Norbert Zsivoczky curled inches wide with Millers 'keeper Gary Montgomery beaten.

Lewis Buxton then saw a thunderous drive from 35-yards strike the woodwork and Paterson headed the rebound over under pressure.

However, City finally got their reward with five minutes remaining as Wilkinson rose through a crowd of players to power Zsivoczky's corner past Montgomery from close-range to give the Potters a winning start to the season.

City: Duggan, Buxton, Quigley, Grant, Hughes, Wilkinson, Gudjonsson, Harper, Dyer, Paterson, Zsivoczky. Subs: Williams, Sanna, Vass, Wilson, Robinson.

Rotherham: Montgomery, Otsemober, Hurst, Mullin, King, Gilchrist, Bradford, Vernazza, Newsham, Whittington, Duncum. Subs: Brogan, Hedge, Armstrong, Green, Burridge.