Nantwich finished 5th in the Northern Premier League in 2016-17, qualifying for the play-offs for the first time in eight years. However, a 2–0 defeat to Spennymoor ended promotion hopes. An FA cup run to the 4th qualifying round saw wins over Ashton United, Marine and Halesowen Town but Stourbridge ran out 3–1 winners at the Weaver Stadium. In the Cheshire Senior Cup final, Nantwich lost 3-2 to neighbours Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road. At the end of the season, manager Phil Parkinson left the club for Altrincham, along with several of the team.