Elding was a striker and played from 2001 until 2016. the a host of different clubs at youth level before signing for his hometown team Boston United in 2001.

Whilst with Dale he spent time back on loan with Stockport County before joining Grimsby Town in July 2010.

Elding played one and a half seasons with The Mariners where he was vice captain but following a loan spell with Preston North End he left by mutual consent in February 2013.

Four days later he marked his first start for the club with a goal after just 32 seconds in the 5–1 home defeat to Nuneaton Borough in the Conference League Cup,[1] and he remained a regular presence around the first team squad for the remainder of the season.

Elding made his Football League debut in Boston's inaugural game at home to AFC Bournemouth on 10 August 2002 but was stretchered off with an ankle injury.

[8] Elding signed for an undisclosed five figure sum for fellow League Two team Stockport County at the start of 2007.

On 31 January 2008, Leeds United had an offer accepted by Stockport County for an undisclosed amount for Elding with a view to a permanent transfer.

He scored his first competitive goal for Leeds in the 2–1 defeat to Cheltenham Town after coming on as a second half sub for Tresor Kandol.

Elding never got a regular run of games at Leeds, scoring just one goal, he was deemed surplus to requirements by Gary McAllister and sold to Crewe.

[18] He received interest from Burton Albion, Bradford City, Gillingham, Brentford, Port Vale, Crawley Town and Altrincham.

[26] In his second game back at Edgeley Park, Elding missed a penalty, but set up two in a 3–3 draw with Rotherham United.

[27] During the 2011–12 season Elding scored 12 times in 43 league appearances as he partnered Liam Hearn as the club's favoured strike force.

Elding was previously linked with League One side Plymouth; but turned down the move in favour of joining Grimsby Town.

[30] On 4 September 2012, it was announced that Preston had made an offer for Elding that was turned down by Grimsby, in turn Elding admitted he wanted to leave after becoming unsettled having fallen behind Andy Cook, Greg Pearson and Dayle Southwell in the forward pecking order, despite Liam Hearn being out with a lengthy injury.

[33] On 15 November, Preston North End then confirmed that they had signed the striker on loan until 1 January 2013 with Elding linking up with his former boss from Stevenage Graham Westley.

[34] Elding played five league games for Preston during his loan spell, failing to score and returned to Grimsby on 1 January 2013.

[35] On 7 January Grimsby manager Rob Scott said despite the interest from Preston he was struggling to get hold of the club for the deal to progress.

[37] The following week it was announced that he would be signing a contract with Limerick but after flying to Ireland, Elding did a U-turn and joined Sligo.

[40] Anthony played UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round v Molde FK while at sligo Rovers making 2 Appearances both Home an Away legs On 16 November 2013, Cork City announced that Anthony Elding had signed for City from Sligo Rovers until the end of the 2014 season.

He played against the two countries mentioned and against Italy, Wales, Scotland and Belgium and was part of the England C team which won the Quadrangular Four Nations Tournament which was held in Ireland.