Jimmy Cowen, a Cumbrian, was a brilliant schemer as well as a prolific goalscorer. He started out with his local club, Whitehaven Athletic and in 1926–27 he scored 56 goals for Barnoldswick but it was not until he joined Southport two years later that he got a regular place in League football. In 1929–30 he scored 21 of his 24 goals from centre-forward but it was at inside-left alongside Archie Waterston that he scored his memorable Cup-tie goals in 1931 and 1932. His winner against Bradford Park Avenue earned Southport their solitary appearance in the last eight and Jimmy the soubriquet “£1,000 Cowen” in view of the extra revenue he brought the club. Equally valuable was his goal at Newcastle which forced a replay in 1931–32 as was his thrilling late equaliser in the replay at Haig Avenue. At Peterborough United he played in a friendly game alongside a very young Cec Wyles (q.v.). After finishing his football career he resumed his trade as an electrical engineer working for the G.P.O. in Peterborough. He died shortly after the Second World War in Peterborough Memorial Hospital after a long illness when still only 48.