on 10 March 2011, after a six-game pointless streak, it was announced that the pair were leaving by mutual consent. Director of football Jimmy Quinn took charge of first-team affairs. After saving the club from relegation, he set about improving the squad for the 2011-12 season, bringing in experienced players. Striker Ben Mills, signed from Stafford Rangers went on to score 12 goals for the club until his January move to Macclesfield Town. After defeating Ramsbottom United, Northwich Victoria, Kendal Town and Nuneaton Town, Nantwich reached the First Round of the FA Cup for the first time. They played Milton Keynes Dons F.C. away, losing 6–0 in front of 4070 fans. In the NPL, Nantwich finished 10th, but also won the Cheshire Senior Cup beating Stalybridge Celtic in the final. After an impressive pre-season, and an opening day 5–0 away win over Matlock Town, hopes were high for Nantwich, but 2012-13 performances declined, and boss Jimmy Quinn was fired in February. Darren Moss took over as a player-manager and Nantwich ended the season 14th. Chorley ended the Dabbers' FA Cup hopes in the 1st Qualifying Round and AFC Fylde overcame Nantwich in the FA Trophy. In 2013–14, managed by Danny Johnson, Nantwich finished 19th, despite not winning any of their last nine games. FA Cup hopes ended in the 1st qualifying round with defeat by Rugby Town and FA Trophy hopes were ended in the 3rd qualifying round by Northwich Victoria. Johnson's second season saw little improvement, and he lost his job in February 2015, being replaced by ex-player Phil Parkinson, assisted by Neil Sorvel and Danny Griggs. An improvement in results and performances meant Nantwich finished lower mid-table, with an FA Cup defeat to Salford City and an FA Trophy defeat to Ramsbottom United. In 2015-16, Nantwich enjoyed an FA Trophy run, reaching the semi-final stage. In the 1st qualifying round Nantwich beat Salford City 2-1, followed by a 5-1 defeat of Kings Lynn Town with a hat trick from Liam Shotton. Nantwich then won 2-0 at higher league Stockport County. Into the competition proper, Nantwich beat Matlock Town 2–0 at home, before an away draw against Bradford Park Avenue after which Nantwich won the replay 5–0. After two postponements, a last minute header from Steve Jones gave Nantwich a 1–0 win over Stourbridge. In the quarter final, Nantwich beat Conference team Dover Athletic 2–1 with another last minute