On the first day of the 2011–12 season Scarborough Athletic beat Parkgate at home 4–2 to register the club's first ever opening day victory, followed by a 1–0 victory at Tadcaster Albion. The club's September was largely successful, with the exception of a disappointing 3–0 FA Cup exit to Tadcaster Albion. October was also successful in the league, but the club exited the FA Vase. A tough November saw Athletic pick up their first league draws of the season and their third defeat, but by the end of November they were top of the table – a position which could be attributed to 12 wins from their opening 17 league fixtures. December, however, was hugely disappointing with just 1 point from 4 games. Results improved in the new year but by the end of March Athletic found themselves too far behind the two clubs at the top of the table and, thus, out of promotion contention. On 14 April 2012 Ryan Blott hit 5 goals in a game for the 2nd time, this time against Armthorpe Welfare. A strong finish saw the club finally end the season in, a club best, 3rd position.