After the immense and sustained success of the 1970's the 1980's started well but it soon came to an end.  The club ended the decade having appointed nine different managers and saw them suffer two relegations.  

​

The only honour collected during the 80's was an Essex Thameside Trophy lifted during the 1986-87 season, against Chelmsford City, under the management of Peter Burton.  There were final defeats in the East Anglian Cup and the Essex Senior Cup.