New AFC Sudbury midfielder Craig Parker has revealed the chance to work with new manager Jamie Godbold at the Wardale Williams Stadium, was too good an offer to refuse.

The prolific 27-year-old made the surprise move from Ryman Premier League side Leiston on Friday and made his debut in Saturday’s superb 4-1 win at Ryman North play-off rivals Brentwood Town.

That win moved AFC above Brentwood on goal difference, and Godbold’s team could move seven points clear of sixth place with a home victory against Ware tonight, provided other results go their way.

Parker’s move may come as a surprise to many outside the two clubs, the midfielder scored ten goals in 32 games for the Blues this season, but the former Needham Market and Bury Town middleman did not take much persuading to complete the switch, and hopes his stay in Ryman North will be a brief one.

“I have been playing well for Leiston but the opportunity to work with Godders (Jamie Godbold) presented itself to me and I was really keen to do that,” said Parker, who also played in Conference South with Chelmsford City.

“I played a bit with Jamie (Godbold) at Needham and I was impressed with him and his style of play. He really likes to get the ball on the floor.

“AFC Sudbury are a big club in Suffolk and are definitely moving forward.

“There is a lot of work to be done but I hope to be part of a team that is in the mix for promotion at the end of the season.

“I am dropping down a division but the reality is that AFC have got something to play for and could be in the Ryman Premier next season.”

Elsewhere, Heybridge Swifts, who inflicted leaders, Harlow Town’s first home defeat of the season on Saturday, entertain in-form Brightlingsea Regent tonight, in Ryman League Divison One North.

James Webster’s Regent have won six of their last eight league games and still have an outside chance of reaching the end-of-season play-offs.

In the Ryman Premier, Witham Town, in the relegation zone, play host to Enfield Town at Spa Road tonight.