United led the table undefeated in seven games and earned a Second Round League Cup tie with Southampton. The first leg was drawn 0-0 at Layer Road with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in inspired form. The U's could not repeat their heroics at The Dell of 1974 though, and lost the second leg 4-2.

The season then turned in the most tragic of circumstances. John Lyons committed suicide at his Layer de la Haye home in November 1982, just hours after turning out at Layer Road against Chester. On the back of having to give up his own playing career through injury and the Lyons incident, Hunter resigned in January 1982 with United in seventh place. Lea took over until the end of the campaign and won 8 of his first eleven games. Four defeats in 17 days during April cost U's and again they finished sixth just two points away from promotion.

Ian Allinson top scored with 26 League and Cup goals with youth product Tony Adcock netting 17 times. Goalkeeper Mike Walker, who had missed just nine games in ten seasons, announced his retirement.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

...
Wikipedia