In 1876 the club resolved to change to rugby union rules,[1] but played under both codes for a season,[2] and were subsequently founder members of the Essex FA in 1882.

The club played in the Colchester Borough League, which they won in 1894–95 but then withdrew at the end of the season.

In 1899 the club was renamed Colchester Town and entered the North Essex League, in which they played for two seasons, winning it in both.

At the end of the season they also joined the South East Anglian League, which they played in until 1910, winning it in 1906–07.

United joined the Southern League and crowds at Town matches quickly dwindled.

In 1902 the ground was built on, so the club moved to Reed Hall, not playing a home match in the 1902–03 season until 6 December.

Seven Town players were killed in action during the war, a tablet with their names inscribed on it was hung in the changing rooms.