Parkway aim to change the narrative away from home
Weymouth v Parkway | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
After Plymouth Parkway’s FA Trophy run came to an end last weekend, attention now turns firmly back to league matters as the Yellows make the festive journey to Weymouth on Saturday afternoon.
Chatham Town proved worthy winners in the Third Round Proper, running out 3–0 victors, but Parkway can reflect on a performance that lacked neither effort nor commitment as the Wembley dream faded for another season. Now, with cup distractions removed, the focus sharpens on the task of climbing away from danger in the Southern Premier League South.
That task has not been made any easier by fresh injury concerns. Captain Rio Garside was forced off midway through the second half in Kent and is expected to miss the next two fixtures, while Will Sullivan is also a doubt after failing to complete the ninety minutes. Mack Allan remains sidelined, though on-loan goalkeeper Isaac Finch showed encouraging signs on his Parkway debut between the posts.
There is, however, some better news. Tylor Love-Holmes returns to the fold, Reece Shanley is available after being cup-tied last weekend, and new loan signing Louie Cayless impressed on debut at right-back. Shane White continues his rehabilitation, with a return edging closer.
Away from home, Parkway know the challenge all too well. The search for a first league win on the road since March continues, and Chris McPhee will be keen to see signs of greater attacking intent from the outset. Despite recent setbacks, there is belief within the group that the squad has the tools to turn performances into points.
That belief centres in part on Rocky Neal, who cut a frustrated figure leading the line in the Trophy defeat, often isolated for long spells. Finding ways to get bodies closer to Parkway’s most potent attacking threat may be a key theme as they look to impose themselves earlier and more consistently.
Weymouth, though, represent a stern test. Relegated into the division last season, the Terras are still rebuilding but remain one of the South West’s most recognisable non-league names. Their presence in the same division is a reminder of Parkway’s own progress in recent years, and Saturday’s fixture carries added weight given the league positions.
The two sides sit locked in the lower reaches of the table, with Weymouth having played four games more. The Terras already hold the upper hand this season, goals from Matt Carson and Tom Hewlett securing a 2–0 win at Bolitho Park earlier in the campaign.
Recent form has been difficult for Steve Claridge’s side. A positive 2–0 win over Taunton Town has been followed by defeats against Havant & Waterlooville, Gosport Borough, Chertsey Town and Berkhamsted, with a point against Uxbridge the lone return in that run.
On paper, it is a meeting of two sides desperate to reset their season. A draw may suit neither, and that sense of urgency could open the contest up, offering Parkway’s attacking players a platform to make their mark. With another demanding away trip to fifth-placed Farnham Town to follow on Tuesday evening, Saturday’s visit to the coast carries significance well beyond ninety minutes.
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