Five of the six Lancashire Vodkat League clubs in action on Saturday enjoyed victories in the latest round of fixtures.
In the Premier Division, Padiham did their nearest rivals a favour by beating previous leaders New Mills 3-1.
"Jordan Hulme scored two great goals, with two great strikes," said Padiham manager Craig Chadwick.
"I felt we didn't allow them any other clear cut chances. That is a real positive to take from the game."
Chadwick added: "We've worked a lot on the back four, and cut out the silly mistakes that were happening, and now their decision making and work ethic is excellent."
Bacup raced into a 3-0 half-time lead at Alsager, eventually winning 4-2 thanks to goals from Daniel Cocks, Chris Ogunyode, Martin Cosgrave and Haydn Paul.
It was a hard fought game, and no doubt it will be just as tasty when we go there later in the season
AFC Blackpool manager Stuart Parker
Elsewhere, a late goal from player-manager Russ McKenna earned his side a 2-1 win at Maine Road, but Rossendale United lost 2-1 at home to fellow relegation strugglers Ashton Athletic, with the visitors grabbing the winner in stoppage time.
In Division One, AFC Blackpool extended their lead with a 1-0 win over Chadderton, thanks to a late goal from substitute Chris Brown.
Manager Stuart Parker said: "In the first half Chadderton looked threatening up to the edge of the box, but apart from set pieces I don't think they really created too many chances.
"In the second half we began creating more chances, their keeper made three or four excellent saves, and we hit the bar too.
"It was a hard fought game, and no doubt it will be just as tasty when we go there later in the season."
AFC Darwen returned to action for the first time since mid-November with a 2-0 win at Oldham Boro, thanks to goals from Stephen Lee and Lee Turner.
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