1980-81 6th
The 6th placed finish in the 1980-81 season was Ferryhill’s ‘best of the decade’. They amassed 61 points, which was their highest points haul in a regular season, from 38 games.
John Grady and Kevin Elliot were chosen for The Rest of League side that beat the previous season champions, Blyth Spartans 1-0 at Blyth on October 14th 1980.
In March 1981 in the FA Trophy, Ferryhill spanked Willington away from home by 6-0. Hutchinson 2, Brown, Pearson, Johnson and Bartlett hit the net.
Spennymoor United taught Ferryhill a lesson in their last game of the season on April 29th – a rousing 6-1 victory, which was Ferryhill’s heaviest of the season. However it wasn’t quite good enough to win the title, Blyth Spartans won their own last game at Crook to pip them to the title by a single point.
1981-82 11th
Ferryhill slipped to 11th in 1981-82 season. Sixteen wins and sixteen losses made the season super-inconsistent. They were beaten 2-1 by Chester-le-Street in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup Replay after finishing 2-2 at home.
They also had a decent run in the FA Trophy, reaching the 2nd qualifying round. Rossendale United beat them 3-0 in a replay after the home tie was drawn (Ferryhill did that a lot in the 1980s). In the previous round, Athletic had walloped Evenwood 8-0.
1982-83 12th
Lower mid-table again. The Northern League added a 2nd Division in 1982-83.
Ferryhill received a bye in the 1st Qualifying round of the FA Trophy, but were soundly beaten at home in the next round by Tow Law Town (1-4).
1983-84 16th
Another poor season, but they easily finished safe above Ashington by 7 points, although Ashington had a 3 point deduction which sealed their fate.
1984-85 14th
Eighteen losses in 34 games meant Ferryhill flirted with disaster again. Goals were very hard to come by, and Ferryhill averaged just over 1 goal per game. Not going to win any cups with that problem.
1985-86 18th
Athletic finished in 18th place. The two Billingham clubs, Synthonia and Town, were relegated to Division 2.
1986-87 18th
Ferryhill scraped a second consecutive 18th place finish. Only two points saved them from relegation.
1987-88 14th
Another finish in the lower half of the table.
1988-89 8th
Alan Shoulder played for Ferryhill after having to retire from professional football in December 1988 because of an eye injury. He was of course previously at Newcastle United (1978-1982) where he scored 35 goals in 107 games for the Magpies.
1989-90
