Boss Simon Weaver made a jubilant return to the LNER Stadium as the former Imps defender oversaw Harrogate’s 2-1 EFL Cup upset win over Lincoln.

Weaver played around 100 games for City between 2002 and 2004 and was delighted to enjoy that winning feeling once more at ‘the Bank’ as Sam Folarin and James Daly produced the goods, with Jovon Makama replying with a late penalty.

“I had the best days of my playing career here and I am immensely proud after that,” said Weaver. “To come back was just about doing my best for Harrogate Town and it’s been a good night.

“It was an excellent display and we deserved the win.

“They are a powerful outfit and we knew it was going to be difficult but we all dug in together and tonight was a big step up from Bromley on Saturday and I am thrilled to get through to the next round.

“I thought we were quite comfortable until the referee gave a very dubious penalty. It was a street-wise performance.”

For Imps boss Michael Skubala, it was a sobering evening.

“It was a really frustrating night,” he admitted. “We were a bit wasteful in the final third and we played into their hands and made it easy for them.

“We wanted to go through and win the game, so it is disappointing, but there is lots to learn from a lot of the players out there, some who are quite young.”