HARWICH and Parkeston assistant manager Mike Wallace hailed the character of his side after they secured a share of the spoils against Holland FC.

The Shrimpers fought back from behind for the second time in four days, having also recovered from a deficit in their opening Thurlow Nunn League division one south fixture at home to White Ensign on Saturday.

Tuesday's match followed a similar pattern, with Jordan Heath popping up to cancel out Billy Wales' opener.

And Wallace believes the spirit and determination of the club's players cannot be faulted.

“It was a good game and a real battle," he told the Standard.

“The biggest thing was the fact we showed our character again, just as we did on Saturday.

“We’re starting with a blank canvas, with a new team, and so to pick up two points and stay unbeaten is a really encouraging start.

“We’re still undefeated – albeit it after just two games – but once again we came from behind.

“The pleasing thing was that our players didn’t go into their shells.

“They dusted themselves down and got back on with it.

“They worked their socks off and played to the instructions they’d been given.

“They listened to what we’d told them and took on board the messages we’d given.

“I can’t knock the players for their work rate or effort."

At one point, Wallace feared his side might be punished for missing chances in the first half.

He thought spurned opportunities might come back to haunt them but felt a draw was the right result overall.

“If I was being critical, we had a few chances early on that we didn’t take," he said.

"We need to start doing that when we’re on top in games.

“Holland have got quality players all over the pitch but they had one chance in the first half and made it count.

“All in all, though, it was a good performance.

“To a man, our players couldn’t be faulted and the draw was the right result.

“It was a really enjoyable game and the crowd was amazing (nearly 300 were at the Royal Oak).

“I’m so proud of that attendance and it’s brilliant that the people getting behind us have had two really exciting games.

“We’re building a team and everyone’s on board.

“We’ve got to learn from everything we do and hopefully we’ll get our first win at May and Baker on Saturday.

“That’s the next step – the next hurdle – to convert these draws into victories."

Harwich will be without Ryan Heath, who was sent off in the closing stages of Tuesday's match, and will check on the fitness of Jake Richardson.

Wallace also praised the attitude of Luke Barnard, who was named among the substitutes after starting on Saturday.

He then stepped off the bench and played in Jordan Heath for Harwich's equaliser.

“Luke hasn’t done anything wrong but didn’t make the side because we changed the system round," said Wallace.

“His attitude was superb, though, and that’s what we need.

“He didn’t moan for a second and said that as long as the team does well, he’s happy.”