Bolitho Ready as Parkway Target Trophy Response
Parkway v Salisbury | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
Plymouth Parkway return to FA Trophy action this weekend aiming to get back to winning ways when Salisbury visit the Theatre of Trees for a Second Round cup encounter. After last Saturday’s setback against Uxbridge, Chris McPhee’s side have a chance to respond in a competition that has already brought memorable afternoons at Bolitho this season.
The 3-0 loss to Uxbridge ended a six-match unbeaten home run but did little to dim the sense of progress that has gathered since early October. Parkway have won both of their Trophy ties so far on home soil, recovering from two goals down to defeat Gosport Borough 3-2 before edging Poole Town 7-6 on penalties after the sides couldn’t be separated in normal time. That never-say-die attitude remains the focus as McPhee’s team navigates a busy November schedule.
The manager could again be without key pair Taylor Scarff and Rocky Neal, both continuing to be assessed ahead of kick-off, but new additions offer fresh options. Milimo Nalumango, a composed, ball-playing centre-back, adds another layer in defence; Gunnar Franke, a physical striker with a composed finish, strengthens the attack; while Alex Mykhailov and Zachary Karanja Wahome bring pace and bite in forward and midfield areas respectively. The reshaped squad gives Parkway welcome flexibility for the weeks ahead.
Saturday’s visitors arrive 20th in the National League South table with four wins from seventeen, though three of those victories have come in the last five.
Their away record is one that can be improved; however, the stats are encouraging in parts. Just two wins from eight on the road, but with only nine goals conceded, one of the lowest totals in the division. Goals have been harder to come by, just seven away from home, but their organisation makes them difficult to break down.
That resolve showed again on Tuesday evening as they picked up their second win on the road in consecutive games with a superb 2-1 win away to Enfield.
Experienced striker Matty Taylor brings Football League pedigree from spells with Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, while Tommy Willard and Noah Coppin have each chipped in with two goals apiece.
The fixture renews a welcome rivalry between the sides. Parkway have won three of the five previous meetings, including a comprehensive 4–0 Trophy victory at Bolitho in 2021 when Billy Palfrey famously scored from halfway. Salisbury, though, have edged the last two encounters and will travel to Bolitho no doubt believing they can cause problems once more.
Bolitho Park has become a stage for late drama in the Trophy this season, and Parkway will seek to draw on those afternoons once again. With new faces bedding in and the squad keen to make an immediate response, Saturday offers a timely opportunity to rediscover momentum and extend their FA Trophy journey.
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