AFC Wimbledon were knocked out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after going down at Ashton Gate.
The Dons more than matched the League One leaders for an hour, but Aaron Wilbraham’s quick-fire brace earned Steve Cotterill’s side a place a side in the last eight as George Francomb’s late reply proved nothing more than a consolation.
Neal Ardley made four changes from the side that drew at York on Saturday, with star striker Bayo Akinfenwa rested.
“I’m absolutely gutted because I wanted to get through to the next round,” boss Ardley said after the 2-1 reverse.
“I hate losing, but I’m proud of the performance. We have to make sure though that the next few weeks are positive in terms of results.
“I’m proud of the boys. I always do my homework on the opposition and I felt that if we played with one striker it would have been very hard for us. It would have been attack versus defence.”
Wimbledon return to League Two action this weekend as Dagenham & Redbridge travel to Kingsmeadow for the District Line derby.
