A return to non-league football followed and Dawson signed for Lancaster Town in June 1929. He spent a season with Lancaster and was not a consistent first-team player, but was part of the team that won the Lancashire Combination in the 1929–30 season. In September 1930, Dawson joined Nelson of the Football League Third Division North on a free transfer.
A return to non-league football followed, and Dawson signed for Lancaster Town in June 1929. He spent a season with Lancaster and was not a reliable first-team player, but was part of the team that won the Lancashire Combination in the 1929–30 season. In September 1930, Dawson joined Nelson of the Football League Third Division North on a free transfer.