Parkway Look to Build on Midweek Resolve as Sholing Visit Bolitho
Parkway v Sholing | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
Plymouth Parkway return to Bolitho Park on Saturday looking to convert Tuesday night’s hard-earned point at Dorchester into a positive home performance. The 2–2 draw in Dorset defined Parkway’s growing resilience during a physically demanding evening, and despite the setbacks suffered along the way, there were further signs of the character and togetherness emerging within Chris McPhee’s group.
Saturday now presents a different kind of examination. Sholing arrive in strong form, sitting eighth in the table, and represent one of the league’s most consistent and well-balanced sides across the opening months of the campaign.
Parkway are awaiting a full update on Jake Smith after the midfielder was stretchered off on Tuesday. Initial fears suggest the injury may be a significant one, and the squad will be prepared for his absence while medical assessments continue.
There was encouragement in the return of Taylor Scarff, who completed valuable minutes at Dorchester, while Rocky Neal will be monitored again ahead of the weekend as he continues his steady progress towards full fitness. It was also a positive sight to see club captain Shane White warming up last Saturday as he continues his long rehabilitation period.
Mikey Williams is expected to miss out after picking up a knock in recent matches, and a late decision will be made on Jenson Ireland, who is still being closely assessed.
Sholing have made an impressive start, collecting six wins, seven draws and only three defeats from their opening 16 league fixtures. Their balance across both ends of the pitch has been key. They sit sixth for goals scored (28) and sixth for goals conceded (21), and have lost just once in their last seven matches in all competitions.
Their most recent outing, home to Walton, was abandoned at 4–1 due to floodlight failure, but their broader form remains strong.
Away from home, Sholing have proven difficult to break down. They have conceded only eight goals in eight away league matches, the second-best defensive record on the road. Their attacking output away from home has been more modest, with only seven goals scored, the fourth lowest in the division, but their compact structure and experienced core allow them to stay competitive in every game.
Sholing bring a strong core of experienced players, led by former Watford and Colchester striker Michael Folivi. Behind him, ex-Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh adds creativity after spells across the Football League, while long-serving forward Dan Mason, the club’s all-time leading scorer, offers a constant threat in the box. Captain Byron Mason, with more than 700 appearances, anchors the side, and defender Sam Magri provides further stability through his extensive Step 1 and 2 experience. It’s a seasoned group with the quality to influence games, and Parkway will need focus and discipline to manage their main threats on Saturday.
With a demanding midweek fixture behind them and injuries continuing to shape selection, Parkway will once again lean on resilience, organisation and the growing confidence found in recent performances. Bolitho has already produced memorable moments this season, and with Sholing arriving in steady form, Saturday offers an opportunity for Parkway to turn spirit into points in front of the loyal home faithful.
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