CARLTON Town opened their defence of the Notts FA Senior County Cup with a 2-0 victory at Arnold Town.
The Millers recovered from their worst performance of the season in a 4-0 defeat to Romulus, to progress to the fourth round.
Manager Les McJannet made several changes at Eagle Valley against the East Midlands Counties League side, recalling Jamie Walker and Ben Flynn on the flanks and welcoming back Billy Bennett and Lee Torr in defence.
Academy captain Jordan Knight made his full debut at centre half, while Aaron Hooton was back at centre forward after a one-match ban.
Arnold had six former Carlton players in their ranks but fell behind to a Jamie Walker goal after an Alex Troke free-kick had caused chaos in the penalty area.
Walker then added a brilliant second after fine work by Hooton late on, to clinch victory for the Evo-stik League First Division South team.
Rainworth Miners Welfare were Carlton's opponents in the Cup final last term, but they were knocked out by Kimberley Miners Welfare.
The scores were tied at 1-1 at full-time, but Kimberley clinched it, 3-1, in extra-time.
Basford United are also in the quarter-finals, having secured their place with a 2-1 triumph over Radford.
Stuart Hendrie hit a brace, opening the scoring after 38 minutes before grabbing a second 11 minutes from the end.
Radford were forced to play much of the second half with ten men after Ruben Desrosiers was sent off, but pulled one back late on through substitute Dave Udoh.
Basford now have a break as this weekend's scheduled opponents Brocton are involved in the FA Vase.
Elsewhere, Dunkirk eased through with a 4-0 result at Gedling Miners Welfare, but Retford United needed extra-time to see off Selston, 4-3.
In the Doodson Sport Cup, Ilkeston had the edge over Belper Town thanks to a single goal from Michael Williams in the 71st minute.
A Liam Morris brace helped Shirebrook Town beat Dronfield Town 3-0 in NCEL Division One, with William Dennis also weighing in, while Teversal were toppled 5-0 at home to Hallam.
Meanwhile, Alfreton Town are second bottom in the Vanarama Conference table, six points from safety.
Nicky Law's side suffered a fourth successive defeat when they lost 2-1 at home to Gateshead.
Substitute Paul Clayton's late effort proved little more than a consolation as the Reds were already behind to a brace of goals from Matty Pattinson.
Next up is a six-pointer at Nuneaton Town on Saturday.
