Success in the county league came after changing their name to Hastings Town in the late seventies, winning the second division 'double' in the 79/80 season. In 1985 they took Hastings United's place in the Southern League following their decision to stop trading. They also took up occupation of their ground; the Pilot Field. After finishing consistently in the top eight of the Southern division they finally gained promotion to the Southern League Premier division in the 91/92 season; finishing a clear 13 points in front of the runners up Weymouth. Also having a good run in the VA Vase before going out at home to Wimborne in a highly charged match which saw Hastings down to 9 men.

Whilst in the top flight of the Southern League they won the Southern League Cup in 1995 on a shoe-string budget against Leek town over two legs. They also won the Sussex senior cup twice (1996 and 1998), and were runners-up in 1999. However the club struggled in the premier division, and only finished in the top half of the table twice.

1997 Saw lottery millionaire Mark Gardiner taking control at the pilot field after a falling out with St Leonard's (our neighbours) chairman Leon Sheppardson. He also paid off the club's debts which were starting to look ominous. His reign saw the end of Garry Wilson in January 1998 who had done a stiring job whilst the club had no money. Gardiner decided that a good course to follow (to try and attract a higher gate) was to apply to join the Ryman League for the start of the 98/99 season. However the expulsion of Slough from the conference dashed the plan at the last moment, and the club remained in the Dr Martens league. A high profile campaign to bring in sponsors started to pay off and during the summer of 1998 a lot of fresh blood was brought into the side and everone had their sights set on the Conference.

In October 1998 the club had reached their highest postion of second in the league. Despite this and a brand new club house attendances did not rise to a sufficient level for Gardiner which led him to place the whole team on the transfer market by November. By February 1999 his patience had run out and he put Hastings Town up for sale. However debt had mounted up again rumoured to be in the region of £50,000. As the deadline approached, a local consortium bought the club. It was deemed that the club would play in the newly created Eastern division, though for a while no one was sure which league they would play in, there were even rumours of the Sussex county league.

Due to uncertainty at the end of 98/99, some of the squad left. Incredibly Dean and Terry White managed magnificently to keep the team going on the pitch, and the supporters rallied behind the team. Although short of money the majority of the squad were retained for the start of the 99/00 season.

After a promising start to the 99/00 season the team fell behind the leaders after doing well in various cup competitions. Dreams of a quick return to Premier division football slowly faded as the season wore on. The elation of the fans having survived the threat of being wound up, turned to frustration against the strict rulebook of the Dr Martens league.

Dean White managed to steer the team to three cup finals. The first time we had progressed past round 2 in the Dr Martens cup since winning the competition, saw us playing Burton Albion in the final (who were in second place in the Premier division). Despite two spirited displays, including a wonder goal for Steve Yates, we lost both legs. It was the similar tale in the final of the Sussex Senior Cup against the favorites, Brighton & Hove Albion reserves. After an exceptional performance from Hastings, all was level after extra time. The professional players' nerves held and Hastings lost the resulting penalty shootout.

The 2000/01 season started off badly, Hastings gaining only one point from the first three games. Then out of the blue in October Dean White shocked everyone with his decision to return to full time football, and become the manager of Brighton & Hove reserves. Dean was replaced by George Wakeling, who had previous exerience in the league with Ashford Town. By the time the squad had settled Hastings were too far behind to make a serious bid for promotion.

However George had adjusted his inherited side with a few new faces, and managed to keep the team near the top of the table for the whole of the 2001/02 season. After a tight finish Hastings deservedly became champions and were promoted to the Premier Division. At the end of the season owner Mick Maplestone decided to change the name of the club to Hastings United and play in claret and blue.