The senior side may have lost three on the bounce, but the young Robins have flipped that form on its head by making it a hat-trick of victories to move above Cardiff into second.
Josh Owers scored the only goal of the game, coming moments into the second half when he finished from close range thanks to Prince Henry's low cross on the counter-attack.
It was a scrappy affair, with a few players threatening to lose their temper following some late challenges but in a game of little chances, City's defence came to the fore to ensure they showed the first-team how it's done by keeping a clean sheet.
That's now one defeat in their last nine matches and they will move above Ipswich at the top of the table should they win their two games in hand.
No senior players were on show to build their match fitness but there were still observations to be made at the High Performance Centre and here are the talking points.
Josh Owers
Captain for the afternoon, Owers may find himself in that in-between stage where he's too good for the U23s yet not quite ready for the first team.
The centre-midfielder was the standout player of the afternoon, comfortable in possession, good in the tackle and a leader to boot.
He scored the only goal of the game but he also played a big part in the build-up when the ball came to his feet from a Swansea corner. Owers' pass fed Prince Henry out on the left who surged his way into the box.
Owers didn't stand on ceremony, sprinting down the field to latch on to Henry's pass to finish from close range. In a tight game where there was little to separate the two teams, it needed a moment of individual quality to make the difference and he provided that.
Whether he gets his opportunity in the first team between now and the end of the season remains to be seen but manager Nigel Pearson obviously rates him highly having encouraged him to travel with the senior squad for matches even when he hasn't made the substitute bench.
Quality obviously runs in the family, with his old man Gary making 130 appearances for City so there's no doubt he has the motivation and advice to make his breakthrough into the squad.
He can also be encouraged with the fact that Pearson is happy to play his young players if he considers them ready and with one eye already on rebuilding for next season, Owers will be hoping to get himself in a squad at some point in the near future.
Zac Bell
For all the difficulties City have endured in a right wing-back role this season, it was a breath of fresh air to watch the potential of Zac Bell in action and his assured performance.
Bell was rewarded for his talents last August by signing his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal and judging by what was on show this afternoon, it could be a very wise decision.
City's problems in that position don't need highlighting, it was on show for all to see in the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham on Saturday.
Realistically, Pearson's options in that position are few and far between. Sam Bell has been shoe-horned there which was completely exposed at the weekend with midfielder Alex Scott and then forward Andi Weimann also sharing the role during the game.
George Tanner's return will offer some sort of comfort and competition but with Zak Vyner out of favour, Danny Simpson leaving the club and Jay Dasilva more adept playing on the opposite flank, opportunity may knock for Bell in the near future.
His tenacity throughout the game was hugely impressive as he marauded up and down that flank throughout the afternoon. He wasn't afraid of shouting instructions to his team-mates and even some constructive criticism when he bellowed: "Come on lads, we're getting f****** sloppy!"
Of course, I'm not saying Pearson should offer him a chance just yet - with the way City are defending at the moment, it could do more harm than good.
But it's certainly worth noting that he could enjoy a promising career in that position should he continue his progress.
The absentees
Ryley Towler - he made his comeback from injury last week in the win over Cardiff but limped off just before half-time raising the question over his fitness.
Pearson revealed it was just a precaution and they were being very careful with managing his minutes. It's clear they see him as one for the future but he was not in the squad today, suggesting he is still struggling with injury issues.
Tommy Conway - Another player who played the full 90 minutes last week, scoring the opener against Cardiff but was away from the squad this time around.
He's a regular on the substitute bench in the senior squad without getting himself on the pitch and therefore it was a surprise not to see him in action - suggesting he's in and amongst Pearson's first-team plans or carrying a knock.
It was another question that was asked to Pearson last week and he admitted he would show no hesitation playing him if he felt like he deserved it.
It's unlikely that he will play in a tricky tie away at Blackburn on the weekend but his absence does leave the mind wondering.
There was also no room for minutes for the likes of Robbie Cundy and Vyner - both who were left out of the matchday squads at the weekend.
Potential champions
It's not very often we get to say Bristol City are close to finding themselves at the summit of the league - but for the second year in a row, it's very relevant with the U23s.
They are now second having leapfrogged Cardiff and that means only Ipswich stand above them on their quest for top spot. Their fate is in their own hands with two games in hand over the Tractor Boys.
City are currently three points behind them with seven matches of the season to play and all eyes will be on that contest with Ipswich at the High Performance Centre on March 29.
So what does happen if City win the league? We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves but it's a question well worth asking in case there's a nice piece of shiny silverware to add up for grabs.
If they win, City will go into a play-off where they will play the runners-up of the Development League northern section, currently Sheffield United. If they finish second in the league, they will then play the winners of the northern section in a play-off with Coventry currently at the top.
The two play-off victors will then compete in the National final for the trophy which is currently in the hands of Birmingham City. Although there is no promotion for the overall winners.
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