BOLTON-born George Miller continued his fairytale life as a professional footballer, scoring his second goal in three games as Bury were defeated by Stoke under-21s on penalties.

Two-time Champions League winner Bojan Krkic netted an equaliser four minutes from time, cancelling out Miller's opener.

The draw meant the game went to a shootout, in which Joel Taylor scored the winning spot kick to seal the bonus point for the hosts.

David Flitcroft made two changes from the draw with Wimbledon at the weekend. The injured Zeli Ismail was replaced by Tom Walker, while Tom Soares dropped to the bench against his former side – Niall Maher his replacement.

The patched-up Shakers were up against a side containing £31.3million worth of talent. Former Barcelona playmaker Bojan was at the heart of the Potters' side, while former England striker Peter Crouch led the line.

Stoke's record signing Giannelli Imbula, who cost a whopping £18.3million in the summer, was charged with keeping out the likes of James Vaughan and Hallam Hope in defensive midfield.

But with midfielder Jacob Mellis pulling the strings, Bury got off to a bright start as the 25-year-old threaded Vaughan through the centre of the pitch. The forward opened up his body to curl a shot into the far corner but goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard made a fine save down to his left to tip it around the post.

The lively Tom Walker was constantly searching for gaps between the defence and midfield and found the perfect space in the 21st minute but he failed to keep his shot down on the turn.

The Potters had a short spell of possession midway through the first half when Julien Ngoy lifted a shot over the crossbar after cutting in from the left and Bojan forced a fine close-range save out of Ben Williams.

Bury should have taken a lead into the break when Greg Leigh headed Walker's corner towards the back post but Hope prodded the ball inches wide.

Thibaud Verlinden was presented with a glorious opportunity at the start of the second half when Tom Edwards' cross dropped perfectly on his head but the attacker failed to keep his effort down.

Andrew Tutte found space down the right moments later and crossed for Hope whose volley was brought out a brilliant save from Haugaard.

Young Miller was introduced from the bench in the 67th minute and he opened the scoring two minutes later.

Danny Mayor and Mellis linked up well before finding Miller in the box and his shot on the turn rolled into the bottom corner.

Against the run of play Stoke drew level as Bojan converted Crouch's knockdown four minutes from time.

Ben Williams saved one spot kick in the shootout while Anthony Dudley, Antony Kay and Tom Soares all scored but ultimately two saves from Haugaard proved the difference.

Bury must now hope Bradford beat Morecambe this evening to guarantee their progression to the second round.