Bacup returned to the Lancashire Combination after World War II, and won the league in 1946–47. When it was expanded to a second division in 1947, they were placed in Division One, but were relegated to Division Two at the end of the 1948–49 season, which saw them finish bottom of the table. Despite only finishing sixth in 1954–55, the club was promoted back to Division One, where they remained until the league reverted to a single division in 1968. They were runners-up in 1972–73. In 1982 the Lancashire Combination merged with the Cheshire County League to form the North West Counties League, with Bacup placed in Division Three. When the division was abolished in 1987, they were moved into Division Two. The 1989–90 saw the club claim the runners-up position, earning promotion to Division One, where they remained until being relegated at the end of the 1994–95 season.