AMBITIOUS newcomer Franklyn Clarke is relishing the prospect of proving himself at Salisbury as the Southern One South & West play-off race hots up.

The 24-year-old former Blackfield & Langley and York City midfielder/defender was snapped up by Steve Claridge on transfer deadline day after parting company with Dorchester Town.

Since being recruited, Clarke has played twice for Whites in the space of four days.

He made his debut in the 4-0 defeat to newly-crowned champions Hereford last Saturday before helping Whites crush relegated Bridgwater Town 7-0 on Tuesday, propelling them to fourth spot.

They are currently one point behind third-placed Tiverton Town and three adrift of second-placed Taunton Town with five games to go.

The teams which finish second and third get home advantage in next month’s play-offs, with the highest of the two semi-final winners to host the final.

Whites’ remaining games are against Shortwood United (away) on Saturday, followed by Wantage (H), Mangotsfield (A), Wimborne (H) and Bideford (A).

Clarke, a football coach at Champion, believes Whites can secure runners-up spot.

“I’ve played in this league before for Wimborne and you look at the quality we’ve got, there’s no reason we cannot win the rest of our games and finish second," he said.

“We can only control what’s in our hands, keep winning and keep putting pressure on Tiverton and Taunton.”