Parkway Hit Three to Continue Remarkable Week
Parkway v Chertsey Town | Match ReportWith confidence restored to the Parkway side, there was a new sense of optimism as the Yellows played out their third game in the space of seven days against play-off chasing Chertsey Town.
Interim manager Stuart Dudley made three changes to the XI that picked up three points against Yate Town, as Mitch Beardmore, Will Sullivan and Carlo Garside were restored. Joe Hatch did not recover from his knock, while Rio Garside and Rocky Neal dropped to the bench. Ryan Brett captained the Yellows following his man of the match display at the weekend.
 Plymouth ParkwayChertsey Town 
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Full Match Report
Images: Tom Pinder
After hard work on the pitch by groundstaff and members of the Parkway supporters club, Bolitho Park looked resplendent ahead of kick-off as the evening sun set over a big fixture at both ends of the table.
If Saturday was attritional, this was far from it. The first half was arguably the best it has been at Bolitho for some time, with both sides playing their part in an open and entertaining contest.
Chertsey showed early why they are eyeing a play-off place, with Connor Lea forcing a fine save from Frankie Phillips inside five minutes. But Parkway responded immediately. Ryan Brett won the ball in midfield and released Tylor Love-Holmes, who drove forward and struck from distance, his effort whistling past Luke Roberts as he wheeled away to celebrate.
Parkway still had moments to manage. The visitors broke well on several occasions, but Will Sullivan showed real desire to recover and make a crucial challenge to deny a one-on-one opportunity. Nathan Minhas also tested Phillips from distance as Chertsey continued to probe.
Parkway remained focused on their own game and doubled their lead before the break. From a Chertsey corner, Phillips commanded his area and launched a counter attack. Hall combined well with Beardmore, who raced through on goal. His initial effort was saved, but he reacted quickest to score his second in two games.
There was disruption before the break as Mikey Williams was forced off with a groin issue, prompting a reshuffle, while Toby Down produced an important block late on to preserve Parkway’s advantage.
The second half continued at a high tempo, with Dudley and Lee Peacock urging their side to maintain their shape. Parkway almost struck again immediately, as Love-Holmes delivered a dangerous ball across goal that just evaded Beardmore.
Scarff continued to show his importance at the heart of the defence, providing a commanding presence alongside a back line that worked tirelessly to deal with Chertsey’s threat, particularly from wide areas.
Parkway extended their lead on 58 minutes. Callum Hall, restored to midfield, was well placed to meet the ball on the edge of the area and struck a superb volley that gave Roberts no chance.
Changes followed as Neal replaced the hardworking Sullivan, while Beardmore and Hall were later withdrawn as a precaution. Parkway continued to celebrate every tackle and clearance as Chertsey pushed forward.
The visitors pulled a goal back on 73 minutes following a move down the right, setting up a tense closing period. There were further moments to manage, including late appeals for a penalty, but Parkway held firm.
Tylor Love-Holmes picked up the man of the match award, but much like the Yate game, there were a number of standout performances, something that has made the difference in recent weeks. Reece Thomson was immense throughout, while Mitch Beardmore continued his fine return in front of goal. Callum Hall capped another strong display with a superb strike, Toby Down is playing like he’s never been away, and Taylor Scarff looks like a new signing. Coupled with a solid evening from Frankie Phillips in goal, there was plenty to admire about Parkway’s performance against a very good Chertsey Town side.
A week is a long time in football, and three wins on the spin have put Parkway in a far stronger position than they found themselves in just days ago. There is still work to be done, but this was another step forward.
Attention now turns to a trip to Evesham United at the weekend, where Parkway will face another test in their fight to climb away from trouble.
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