"[14] He also played in the final of the Southern League Cup, which Rangers lost to Plymouth Argyle Reserves,[15] and by the start of the 1936–37 season, he was the recognised first choice in goal.
[16] He missed a few weeks after dislocating a finger against Norwich City reserves at the beginning of October,[17] but was fully fit to face Enfield in the final qualifying round of the 1936–37 FA Cup.
[21] Gower's improved performances – attributed by "Ajax" in no small part to the influence of new manager Jock Denoon, himself a former goalkeeper[22] – earned him the prospect of a trial with Manchester United.
[25] He was soon back in action, but after a finger injury in November stopped him keeping goal, he was selected as an outfield player, making a competent display on the wing in the next Kent League match.
He kept his place over the Christmas and New Year matches, including the Northern Section Cup defeat to Hartlepools United, in which he was "amongst the busiest members of the Darlington side",[33] and one of their best in a draw with 10-man Halifax Town.