 They moved to the Manchester League in 1973, finishing as runners-up in 1978–79, 1981–82 and 1985–86.In 1986 Flixton joined the North West Counties Football League, playing in Division Three in their first season, 1986–87 when they finished as runners-up.The following season Division Three was absorbed into Division Two and the club again finished as runners-up, winning promotion to Division One.