Cory Bent
Cory Bent (born 14 May 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Canadian club HFX Wanderers. Early life. Bent was born in Manchester and grew up in Preston, Lancashire. He began playing football at age six, and spent a year with the academy of Premier League giants Manchester United at the under-8 level. The following year, he switched to the academy of EFL Championship side Preston North End, where he played until the age of fourteen. Club career. AFC Fylde. After a year out of the game following his release from Preston North  End, Bent joined the reserve side of National League North club AFC Fylde, where he eventually signed for the first team. On 2 December 2014, Bent made his senior debut for the club as an 89th-minute substitute against Stockport County. He made a total of three appearances that season, all as a substitute. In early 2015, Bent went on loan with Northern Premier League side Clitheroe. Bent subsequently signed with NPL side Lancaster City in August 2015 after making one appearance for Fylde in the new season. Later that season, he played for West Lancashire Premier League side Longridge  Town. Cape Breton University. In 2016, Bent moved to Canada to attend Cape Breton University, where he played varsity football for the Capers. In four seasons at CBU, Bent made 46 appearances and scored 24 goals. In 2017, he won the U Sports Championship in 2017 and was named finals MVP. He was named to the U Sports All-Canadian first team in 2018 and 2019. In summer 2018, Bent played for USL PDL side Victoria Highlanders, scoring two goals in ten appearances. The following summer, he played for defending PDL champions Calgary Foothills, scoring two goals in nine league  appearances and making one additional appearance in the playoffs. HFX Wanderers. On 11 November 2019, Bent was selected first overall by HFX Wanderers in the 2019 CPL–U Sports Draft. On 4 May 2020, he signed his first professional contract with Wanderers. He made his professional debut on August 15 against Pacific FC. In January 2022, HFX announced they were exercising Bent's contract option, keeping him at the club through 2022. Personal life. Bent is the son of former footballer Junior Bent, as well as a cousin of former footballer Darren Bent.