HARRIERS boss John Eustace has praised the immediate impact of new signing Joe Ironside.

The 23-year-old forward bagged a debut brace to help Reds to a 4-3 victory over Tamworth on Tuesday night.

The hitman, who now has 20 goals to his name in all competitions this term, signed a long-term deal after arriving from Nuneaton Town this week.

A former Sheffield United youth prospect, Ironside spent three years with the Blades, picking up non-league experience with the likes of Halifax and Harrogate before moving to Alfreton Town and, just over year ago, Nuneaton Town.

He netted in either half as Harriers came from behind to eventually beat Tamworth and keep their promotion push well on track.

Eustace said: "He has hit the ground running and we're delighted for him. He took his goals well and had a good impact.

"He is a 23-year-old and joins a squad of other young players of a similar age. The aim is that the group will be able to grow together.

"He is now on 20 goals this season and we hope he can develop into a top player for us."

Ironside's form for Nuneaton this season had caught the attention of many but despite interest from teams above Harriers in the National League North and National League he opted to make the switch to Aggborough.

The transfer was also completed thanks to the Crowdfunder Give It 100% Campaign held earlier this year, raising £10,000.

This has enabled Harriers to pay a five-figure fee to Nuneaton for the striker's services.

Chairman Colin Gordon added: “As a football club we are not cash-rich and as such, without the Crowdfunder money, we wouldn’t be able to bring Joe here.

“A lot of work has gone into signing him and our supporters should be in no doubt as to how much they’ve made this possible."

The move for Ironside follows the loan departure of forward Mani Dieseruvwe to Boston United until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the win at Tamworth handed Harriers their first away win of the year to the delight of Eustace.

He said: "It was a difficult game against a side that is very good at home.

"It's a win we will really enjoy. The players were magnificent after a really tough game, both emotionally and physically, on Saturday and I couldn't have been prouder of the lads."

Harriers will now welcome Harrogate Town to Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off). They will be without the suspended Ash Carter and Tyrell Waite but defender Jordan Tunnicliffe will have an injury assessed before the weekend.