Born in Barking, Powling began his career at Arsenal, signing on apprentice terms in September 1971.
He made his first-team debut in a 2–0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on 27 October 1973, but only played twice more that season.
[3] However, following the arrival of new manager Terry Neill, defenders Pat Howard and Willie Young, as well as a spate of injuries, Powling lost his regular place in the team, playing just 11 times in 1976–77 season.
[1] After appearing against Nottingham Forest in September 1977, he suffered an ankle injury, then knee damage, causing him to miss the rest of the 1977–78 and 1978–79 seasons.
[6] After returning to Harwich on the coaching staff in 2000,[7] he joined Clacton Town in 2002, and became the club's Director of Football in 2003.