After beating Mansfield Town 2–1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final, York were 2–0 victors over Newport County at Wembley Stadium in the 2012 FA Trophy Final; this was the first time the club had won a national knockout competition in its 90-year history. Eight days later Mills took his York team back to Wembley Stadium for the 2012 Conference Premier play-off Final, and following a 2–1 victory over Luton Town with goals from Ashley Chambers and Blair, York were promoted to League Two, ending an eight-year absence from the Football League. This was the first time any club had won the FA Trophy and the Conference Premier play-offs in one season.