LEISTON have snapped up former AFC Sudbury striker James Rowe.The prolific-scoring Rowe was transfer-listed by the west Suffolk club a month ago and has played little football since.

Mike Bacon

LEISTON have snapped up former AFC Sudbury striker James Rowe.

The prolific-scoring Rowe was transfer-listed by the west Suffolk club a month ago and has played little football since.

But the 23-year-old's credentials are not in question and he was voted supporters' player of the year last season, as well as finishing top scorer with the King's Marsh club with 34 goals in 2007-08.

“We are delighted to secure the services of James,” said Leiston chairman Andy Crisp.

“It has taken several meetings, but we have got there in the end and one of the main reasons we pursued James was because he was not FA Vase-tied.”

Rowe last night signed an 18-month contract at the north Suffolk club and will go straight into the squad for the mouth-watering clash with Lowestoft on Saturday.

“Unfortunately we have had injuries to strikers Tes Bramble and Lee McGlone recently and we know James will bring a bit of impetus and lots of options to the side,” Crisp added.

“We really welcome him and look forward to him hopefully scoring freely.”

Rowe, a former Histon, Heybridge and Grantham player, was set to sign

for Canvey Island at the start of this campaign, but remained at AFC Sudbury.