 A lifelong Chester fan, Barton signed for the club in 1957 and progressed through the ranks to turn professional four years later.He made his first team debut in a 3–2 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers on 27 September 1961 in place of regular goalkeeper John Hardie.Over the following years his league opportunities were limited as he faced competition from Hardie, Frank Adams, Arthur Johnson and Dennis Reeves.