Joe Marsden could have a big say at both ends of the Ryman Premier table, before the season ends.

The former Lowestoft Town man has left play-off chasing Leiston to join struggling AFC Sudbury, on an initial six-week loan deal, and made his debut in last Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Met Police.

While Sudbury are just two points outside the relegation zone, ahead of their home game with Folkestone Invicta tomorrow, Leiston – despite four straight losses – remain in the play-off hunt.

“It’s all about getting points on the board and I am looking forward to it,” said Marsden, whose new team have lost six of their last eight league games.

“I trained with the lads this week, played last Saturday, and they still seem upbeat.

“I think a win is just around the corner and everyone has just got to stick together.

“It was not a hard decision to make (to join Sudbury) as it is a well-run club and the management team is brilliant.

Marsden has played just nine times for Leiston since signing in November from the Trawlerboys, but added: “I had a conversation with Glenn (Driver) and he sees me there. I am signed until next season when hopefully we will be in the Conference.

“I struggled to get games at Leiston as I went there when they were playing very, very well and I couldn’t play in my preferred position.

“The next six weeks was about whether I was prepared to play here or there at Leiston or play every week with Sudbury and, at this stage of the season, I want to play as much as possible, then go back to Leiston with them in the play-offs.”

With Sudbury struggling with injuries and illness, they were missing Jack Wilkinson, Aidan Austin, Erkan Okay, Craig Parker, Rob Eagle, Danny Crow and Marcus Garnham for last Saturday’s game, Marsden could well be deployed in a number of roles.

“My preferred position is at right-back, but I played there and in right-midfield last weekend,” Marsden said.

“I am not 100 per cent sure where Jamie (Godbold, Sudbury manager) wants me to play. I would imagine I will be in an advanced right-midfield position. But they could ask me to fill in eight or nine positions and I would be confident.”