Two wins from their last two league games – and both within 48 hours – have propelled Padiham back to the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division with four games to play.

The Storks gained revenge for their Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy defeat at the hands of Bacup with a 2-1 win at Borough’s West View on Thursday night thanks to goals from Kieran Pickup and Ben Allen.

And they then beat Congleton Town 2-1 at The Arbories on Saturday.

A goal down to an Andy Olsten effort after just four minutes, Padiham drew level on 21 minutes courtesy of Allen’s penalty.

Allen had a chance to add to his ever-increasing goal tally when the Storks won another penalty on 36 minutes – but this time he saw his spot kick saved by Martin Pearson.

But he did net a second, rising to head a Joe Garvin cross in the 72nd minute.

Colne extended their unbeaten run to eight games after an excellent result against league title contenders Bootle in spite of missing several key players including leading scorer Jason Hart.

The Reds soaked up the early pressure from their high flying opponents and gradually battled away to dominate the balance of play – eventually taking the lead on the half hour when Carl Ellerton played in Dominic Craig who scored with a dipping volley.

Helio Andre levelled for Bootle three minutes later but Tom Fowler prodded home the winner 20 minutes from time.

Bacup Borough, beaten by Padiham on Thursday, slipped to their second defeat in three days after losing 5-1 at Runcorn Linnets.

Goals from Matthew Atherton (6) and Ross McDowell (27) put the home side 2-0 up at the break before further strikes by Matt Cross five minutes after the restart and Atherton again on the hour sealed victory.

Daniel Cocks pulled one back from the spot before Michael Simpson made it 5-1.

In the First Division, Nelson won 3-2 at Cheadle Town thanks to goals from Joe Wilkinson (55), Nat Taylor (62) and Kal Hafeji (81). Justin Pickering (74) and Adam Roberts (85) scored for Cheadle.

And AFC Darwen won 2-0 at Leek CSOB thanks to second half goals from Bobby Langford and Thomas Entwistle.