Nahki Wells was introduced as a second-half substitute but could not prevent Bristol City being dumped out of the Carabao Cup in a disappointing 3-1 third-round defeat at home to lower-league Lincoln City.

The hosts got off to the worst possible start when Matty Virtue, on loan from Blackpool, put Lincoln ahead with a fine strike in the just the sixth minute before Ben House doubled the lead by robbing Joe Low and racing into the area to lob debutant goalkeeper Stefan Bajic.

Lincoln were good value for their two-goal lead, although the hosts did have chances to get back into the game in the first half with Lincoln goalkeepr Carl Rushworth thwarting Mark Sykes' header and Antoine Semenyo firing a golden opportunity wide.

Bristol City were made to rue their profligacy when Lincoln added a third four minutes after the interval as Paudie O'Connor capitalised on poor defending from a free-kick to head in from close range.

With a little less than 15 minutes remaining, Bermuda captain Wells was brought on, replacing defender Robert Atkinson as the home side switched to a more attacking formation.

Despite Tommy Conway giving Bristol City a glimmer of hope, reducing the deficit in the 80th minute after poking in at the second attempt, it proved nothing more than a consolation as Lincoln progressed to the fourth round for only the second time in their history.

Elsewhere, Reggie Lambe got himself on the score sheet to help guide Stowmarket Town to a 2-0 victory over Witham Town in the Isthmian League North Division.

After a goalless first half the Bermuda forward broke the deadlock four minutes after the break with Ollie Sotoyinbo adding a second ten minutes later to wrap up victory.

Willie Clemons played the entirety of the game as Braintree Town progressed to the fourth round of the Essex Cup with a 4-2 victory away to neighbours Maldon and Tiptree.

The home side took a 28th minute lead through Ronnie Bates but Braintree responded superbly, first levelling though Chris Regis, before captain Kyran Clements put the visitors ahead going into the break.

Maldon hit back to equalise through Karmani McFarlane midway through the second half, but Braintree would not be denied with further goals from Alfie Matthews and Matt Rush sealing victory.

Dale Eve retained his place in goal for Hereford but could not prevent his new side falling to a 2-0 defeat away to Kettering Town in the Vanarama National League North Division. A first-half opener from Gary Stohrer was added to by Tyron Lewthwaite after the interval.