Wembley Stadium on 20 May as a 37th-minute substitute, with York going on to win 2–1, meaning the club returned to the Football League after an eight-year absence with promotion to League Two. Brown finished the season with 10 appearances for York before being released by the club. Macclesfield Town On 10 August 2012, Brown signed for Conference Premier club Macclesfield Town after a trial with the club. He made his debut later that same day, replacing Sam Wedgbury minutes before the end of a 2–1 defeat by Hereford United at Edgar Street. However, he left Moss Rose at the end of the month after the club cancelled his non-contract registration. Brown went on to label Steve King a liar and "a joke", and called the club a "sinking ship" on Twitter. He signed a short-term deal with Conference North club Chester on 5 September 2012. He remained at the Deva Stadium until the end of 2012–13 as Chester won the Conference North title. He also made a substitute appearance in the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup, as Chester beat Stalybridge Celtic 2–1 at Wincham Park. He left the club in May 2013; manager Neil Young stated that "his attitude and professionalism was an example to others". Southport Brown signed for Conference Premier club Southport on 13 July 2013. He was named as captain after John Coleman took over as manager following the sacking of Alan Wright, and was named as the club's Player of the Month in December 2013 and February 2014. He missed just two league matches all season as he helped the Southport to finish two points above the relegation zone in 2013–14. Supporters voted him as the club's Player of the Year. Grimsby Town On 4 June 2014, Brown signed for Conference Premier club Grimsby Town on a one-year contract. Despite the good form of central midfielders Craig Clay and Craig Disley, Brown made 38 appearances and scored one goal for Grimsby in 2014–15. He played in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium, which ended in a 1–1 draw with Bristol Rovers with Grimsby losing on penalties. Brown left Grimsby by mutual consent on 26 January 2016. Accrington Stanley On 27 January 2016, Brown joined Accrington Stanley on a contract running until the end of 2015–16 after being signed by former Southport manager John Coleman. He won a place on the Football League team of