Baven Penton

Harry Baven Penton (born 1890) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre-forward for Southampton prior to the First World War.

Playing career

Penton was born in Boscombe, Bournemouth in early 1890 and was a prolific marksman in his minor league days, scoring 60 in one season with Pokesdown and 26 in another for Boscombe. His form attracted him to Southern League Southampton who were suffering from a lack of a suitable centre-forward, as the regular choice, Percy Prince was injured and replacement Sid Kimpton was not scoring regularly.

Penton moved across the New Forest in February 1911 and made his debut at Crystal Palace on 25 February 1911, scoring in his home debut at The Dell in his next match (against Brentford). He retained his place until the end of the season, although he failed to live up to expectations with only three goals from twelve appearances. For the following season, the "Saints" signed Henry Hamilton and Penton only made one appearance, playing at inside-right in place of Archie Small on 16 September.