HARWICH and Parkeston assistant manager Mike Wallace has hailed the quality and professionalism of striker Jordan Heath.

The frontman was back on the scoresheet with two goals in Tuesday's 5-1 victory against Cornard United, in the First Division Knockout Cup.

The Shrimpers skipper had not scored in the previous three matches - unusual for his high standards - with his previous strikes coming in a 2-0 victory against Benfleet on September 21.

"Jordan always works so hard for the team but hasn't been getting his rewards recently, in terms of goals," said Wallace.

"That's why it was great to see him back on the scoresheet on Tuesday.

"He's such a key player for us and puts everything on the line in every match.

"He's got high standards and puts so much pressure on himself, sometimes unfairly.

"But in terms of quality and professionalism, we couldn't wish for a better skipper.

"(Manager) Kieron (Shelley) and myself have been so impressed with him, for his efforts both on and off the pitch.

"He loves Harwich.

"He could easily play at a higher level but wants to help his hometown club progress.

"He's had opportunities to move on but doesn't want to play his football anywhere else.

"He's got the club in his heart and that's why it was so great to see him back in the goals on Tuesday."

Kevin Coyle also scored twice in the cup success, with Charlie Cook notching the other on a successful night at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak.

It helped make up for a disappointing result against Thurlow Nunn League first division south pacesetters Fire United on Saturday.

Harwich were two-up at the break but found themselves pegged back in the second half.

"In terms of results, we've been a bit Jekyll and Hyde lately," added Wallace.

"We've been playing well but also making mistakes, switching off and suffering defensive lapses.

"That's why it was so pleasing to win on Tuesday.

"We showed more determination, hunger and desire and kept our shape and discipline after Cornard equalised.

"We didn't fall apart and kept creating and taking our chances.

"Then in the second half it would have been easy to switch off and think the game was won but we didn't let that happen.

"We kept our standards high."

Wallace confirmed the signing of Connor McLaughlin on a month's loan from Needham Market.

Former Wivenhoe Town and Stanway Rovers midfielder Michael Schofield has also joined the Shrimpers.

Harwich have no game this weekend and return to action on Saturday week, at home to Wormley Rovers.