STAR striker George Clarke has rejected the chance to join a side from higher up the non-league pyramid - and instead nailed his colours to the Brantham Athletic mast.

The Imps front man has turned down the opportunity to move on and be part of a promotion push with a Bostik League club.

Instead, he wants to stay at the Leisure Centre and see out the Thurlow Nunn League campaign at Brantham.

The Imps are eighth in the premier division and pulled off a fantastic 2-1 victory at Wroxham on Saturday, thanks to goals from Sam Cole and player-boss Michael Brothers.

Clarke's decision to stay caps an excellent few days and Brothers described the news as a "huge positive".

"George has turned down the offer and wants to stay here for the rest of the season instead," he said.

"To me, that's a huge positive and I'm so pleased.

"It says a lot about his loyalty and commitment, because he had an opportunity to join a higher-placed side and potentially compete in the play-offs.

"But he's not interested at this stage and that can only be good for myself and Brantham.

"He's been honest and open and said he'll review his options in the summer but that applies to all players. I wouldn't expect anything less.

"Hopefully I can persuade him to stay longer, though, because he's such an important player and he was a massive part of what we achieved when I was here with Matty (Carmichael).

"There was a bit of pressure on George when he joined because we lost two proven goalscorers in Sam Newson and Jack Smith.

"But he rose to that challenge and has always been exceptional. He gets the ball and makes things happen.

"He's very big and strong but he's not just a target man.

"He's got far more to his game and his biggest attribute is his technique, which is excellent.

"His passing range and finishing are both first-class.

"He's a very good centre-forward who could and should be playing at a higher level."

Clarke spent a year a half on the sidelines earlier in his career, following two ankle injuries.

Brothers was delighted with Saturday's victory and impressed with debutant striker Luke Barnard.

The former FC Clacton and Harwich and Parkeston man has joined from Wivenhoe Town.

"Luke came in and did really well on Saturday," said Brothers.

"He's comfortable on the ball and at any level you need players like that - players you can trust.

"Now he's got a great opportunity to come into the squad and make a name for himself, with a view to being part of the set-up next season.

"On a personal note, it feels great to be back and I'm loving it so far.

"In terms of commitment and attitude, the boys have responded so well and been excellent - as proven by the way they played on Saturday.

"We were missing a few players so it was a great result."

Brantham are away to Haverhill Rovers on Saturday.