In 1985-86 saw town's first serious attempt at winning the F.A. Vase, but following a tremendous run, they bowed out to eventual winners Halesowen in an epic semi-final replay. Promotion to division one of the NWCL was achieved in 1986-87 and the club again excelled in the F.A Vase, making it all the way to Wembley sadly losing 3-2 to bitter rivals St Helens Town.

Promotion to the Northern Premier League was gained in 1989-90, but the club had very little success after that until 1992-93 when a fantastic FA Trophy run ended in the quarter finals at Sutton United, earning them a cool Â£5.000 for being the furthest non-exempt team left in the competition. On the away to Sutton, Town had beaten welsh Conference Side Merthyr Tydfil, which earned them a team of the round prize. In the Cheshire Senior Cup, they were victorious at Macclesfield Town and Hyde United on way to a Semi Final Place, while in the League Cup, they went one further becoming the first ever Division One Side to reach the final, In front of a large crowd at Maine Road, town matched premier league runners up Winsford United all the way, but Winsford took the trophy home following a penalty shoot out. To cap the clubs most successful season ever, Neil Whalley equalised the NPL transfer fee record when he moved to third division side Preston North End for a Â£25,000 and just a few weeks later Liam Watson shattered the fee record, also moving to Deepdale for a staggering Â£60,000. Town were named "Team Talk Magazine" team of the year 1992-93.