He made his first team debut against Hull City at Elland Road on 2 October. Regular right-back and skipper George Law was now playing at right-half for the injured Tommy Lamph injured while another trialist full-back, Wrigglesworth, had been found wanting when given his opportunity.

City beat Hull 3-1 and the Evening Post reported that Dowling had 'ability and should be worth developing'; nevertheless, he did not appear for the club again with the more experienced Charlie Copeland returning to tie down the right-back berth.