Jamie Godbold has backed new signing Danny Cunningham to play an important role as AFC Sudbury look to close out the Ryman North title.

Jamie Godbold has backed new signing Danny Cunningham to play an important role as AFC Sudbury look to close out the Ryman North title.

The winger has moved to King’s Marsh from Leiston, having not played for the Blues since being sent off in the loss to Wingate & Finchley on February 13.

While insisting his new signing will have to fight for his place in what has been a settled Sudbury side, manager Godbold believes Cunningham has a big part of play as the league-leaders look to secure the title in their final eight games.

“We’ve brought Danny in to bolster the squad and his quality and experience will come through and be infectious to the rest of our players,” he said.

“He’s experienced, has been around the block and is tenacious with a wonderful left foot. I’m sure his all-round game will improve our squad.

“It’s nice to be able to bring someone like him in at this stage of the season and I’m sure he’ll do well.

“Our team have been in fantastic form recently so he knows he’s going to have to work for it, but I’m sure he’ll feature during our last eight games.

“It’s about picking the right team for the right game.”

Sudbury go into today’s game with Great Wakering Rovers with a 10-point lead over Thurrock in second, who have a game in hand, but Godbold insisted his side need to stay focussed despite their lead at the top.

“We have to make sure we stay on the ball, concentrate on us and take advantage if other teams slip up,” he said.

“10 points, or seven points given they (Thurrock) have a game in hand, is dangerous because it’s not as handsome as it suggests.

“One blip and everyone can be back up for it and the title race is back on, so we need to keep doing our job and make sure everyone else is just battling for the play-offs.”

Today’s opponents sit 16th in the table and seemingly have very little to play for, but Godbold insisted they mustn’t be taken lightly.

“Sometimes when teams have nothing to play for it can go one of two ways, sometimes their mind is already on the summer and their holidays, but also they can play without any fear and have nothing to fear.

“We need to be on our guard.”