Martin Paterson's goal couldn't prevent City's second string from going down 3 -1 against West Bromwich Albion.

The 19-year-old header had leveled the scores after Stuart Nicholson's controversial penalty had given the hosts the lead at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough Stadium.

But a neat finish from Nicholson midway through the second half and a Jeff Forsyth header in injury time gave the hosts all three points despite a spirited fight by the Potters.

City again named a strong side, but despite having the lion share of the chances, couldn't make there dominance count with strike partners Adam Rooney and Martin Paterson both missing chances either side of the break.

Noel Blake had the luxury of naming no less than seven first team stars with defender Lewis Buxton stepping up his return from a back injury with another outing for the reserves.

After a slow start, City seized the initiative with only a late offside flag denying Adam Rooney the opportunity to open the scoring.

James Curley, a late addition to the squad to cover the absence of Dave Brammer, saw an effort cleared off the line while Paterson fired two chances wide of the mark.

But the hosts took the lead in controversial circumstances in the 28^th minute. Nicholson's effort was adjudged to have struck Jeff Whitley's hand and referee Guy Stretton pointed to the spot.

But with the City side incensed with the decision, Nicholson kept his cool to send 'keeper Rob Duggan the wrong way from 12 yards.

After the break, City again burst out of the blocks and deservedly leveled the scoring shortly after the hour mark when Paterson nodded home from close range.

But the Baggies forced their way back into the game less than ten minutes later when Nicholson rounded two City defenders before striking past the outstretched arm of Duggan.

Rooney and Paterson tried to restore some parity to the score line as the game drew to a close but fired their efforts wide of the target from distance.

Jeff Forsyth added the finishing touches to the score line for the Baggies when he nodded home Davies cross in the last minute.

City: Duggan, Whitley, Thomas, Pulis, Buxton, Wilkinson, Garrett, Curley, Rooney, Paterson, Sweeney. Subs: McDonald, Ryan (GK), Watson, Parsons, Grocott.