[4] They were league runners-up again in 1953–54 and another FA Cup first round appearance the following season ended with a 4–0 defeat to Wrexham in a replay.

In the 1955–56 FA Cup the club lost 5–1 at home to Grimsby Town in the first round in front of a record crowd of 5,184.

The Lancashire Combination title was won by Netherfield for a second time in 1964–65, and their consistent form led to them becoming founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968.

The club continued to struggle, only avoiding relegation to Division Two in their first season in the league after Ashton United were given a points deduction.

After beating Stocksbridge Park Steels 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, they defeated Gresley Rovers 2–1 in the final to earn promotion to the Premier Division.

Another fifth-place finish the following season led to another play-off campaign, this time losing 2–1 to Bradford Park Avenue in the semi-finals.

Terracing was installed behind one goal and along one side of the pitch after World War II, with the stand was expanded in 1955.