Another Big Test Awaits on Tiger Turf
Gloucester City vs Parkway | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
Reece Thomson proved the difference in a professional and important midweek victory over Farnham Town, lifting Parkway into 13th place and extending their unbeaten run to five games. But there is little time to reflect, as Parkway now head back out on the road to face an even sterner examination against second-placed Gloucester City.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s win, interim manager Stuart Dudley acknowledged that belief inside the dressing room never wavered, even if many outside of it doubted Parkway’s chances against a talented Farnham side. With injuries continuing to disrupt selection and the home side falling behind on the night, there were moments where supporters feared the worst.
But in what could be described as a coming-of-age performance for this Parkway squad, they responded immediately and eventually upset the odds, with Thomson’s second-half strike sealing the points and restoring Bolitho Park to the fortress it once was.
There was plenty to admire across the ninety minutes, but Parkway know the job is far from complete. The focus now shifts to another demanding afternoon on the road.
Much like Tuesday night, not many will favour Parkway ahead of the trip to the KMM Energy Stadium, but this depleted squad travels with belief that their five-game unbeaten run can continue.
There will once again be challenges for Dudley to navigate. Tylor Love-Holmes has been recalled by parent club Truro City, while Mikey Williams, Callum Hall, Rocky Neal, Mitch Beardmore and Ryan Brett will all be assessed ahead of the journey.
Gloucester City arrive in strong form and with their own objectives firmly in sight. The Tigers will be aiming to cement their hold on second place and maintain their push for home advantage in the play-offs. In midweek, they recorded an emphatic 6–0 victory over Tiverton Town, with striker Kane Simpson once again catching the eye with a hat-trick, a result that lifted them back into second place following recent defeats against Berkhamsted and Uxbridge.
Parkway will know exactly what lies ahead. Much like Tuesday evening, preparation and discipline will be key as they look to execute a plan capable of toppling another side sitting second in the table inside the space of a week.
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