Overton began his career in the youth set-up at Ipswich Town. On 28 April 1978, Overton made his debut for Ipswich in a 6–1 defeat away to Aston Villa, a week before Ipswich's FA Cup final victory against Arsenal. Overton's inclusion in the starting XI came after first choice goalkeeper Paul Cooper failed a fitness test due to a back injury, not wanting to risk aggravating it before Ipswich's maiden FA Cup final appearance. Ipswich manager Bobby Robson singled out Overton as the best player in Ipswich's 6–1 defeat. Following his departure from Ipswich in 1979, Overton joined Peterborough United and Northampton Town for a season each.