Parkway’s Unbeaten Run Halted at Gloucester
Gloucester City vs Parkway | Match ReportParkway tasted defeat for the first time in six games as a patched-up squad were beaten by second-placed, play-off chasing Gloucester City at TigerTurf.
The result will be the main talking point, but factors leading up to the game had already put the interim manager on the back foot long before kick-off. A phone call from Exeter City resulted in a late Friday afternoon recall for impressive goalkeeper Frankie Phillips, leaving the gaffer scrambling to find a replacement. Couple that with Taylor Love-Holmes being recalled by Truro City in midweek, six first-team regulars ruled out through injury, and Assistant Manager Lee Peacock unable to travel, and the Yellows were up against it long before the first whistle.
 Gloucester CityPlymouth Parkway 
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With four wins from five games lifting the Yellows up the table, they knew defeat would not be the end of the world, especially with an important Easter weekend on the horizon, starting with Basingstoke at home.
Gloucester, on the day, were every bit as good as their reputation suggested and, despite not really getting out of second gear on Non-League Day, two first-half goals ensured the game was effectively over as a contest before half-time.
With young goalkeeper Freddy Lamar making his debut, and Charlie Castlehouse recalled from loan and asked to play in an unfamiliar holding midfield role, the much-changed Parkway side acquitted themselves well for the opening 30 minutes and even found pockets of space to try and cause the Tigers problems. But with silky defender Jamal Mohammed catching the eye and ever-dangerous Kane Simpson leading the line, it always felt like when, not if, Gloucester would get their noses in front.
Just after the half-hour mark, Joe Hanks found the net as Parkway failed to clear a bouncing ball, leaving the midfielder with the simplest of chances to put the hosts ahead. Ten minutes later, Kane Simpson grabbed his customary goal, although it could again have been avoided, and to rub salt into the wound, his strike deflected off Taylor Scarff to trickle into the net.
Parkway remained unchanged after the break and there was no lack of desire or work rate. Rio Garside put in a mammoth shift in midfield, while Toby Down, Taylor Scarff and Jack Veale did well to quieten a dangerous Gloucester attack. Jensen Ireland and Will Sullivan also worked tirelessly up and down the flanks.
Parkway enjoyed their best spell early in the second half and should have been awarded a penalty in the 55th minute that could have set up an interesting final half-hour, but the referee waved away appeals. Ten minutes later, Kane Simpson added his second, and his fifth in two games, to put the icing on the cake for the hosts, who remain in second spot and appear to have found form at just the right time as they look to cement home advantage in the play-offs.
For Parkway, the work rate could not be faulted, but on arguably one of the most difficult away days of the season, and with all the setbacks prior to kick-off, they can walk away with confidence still intact as they now prepare for a mammoth Easter weekend.
The final action saw goalkeeper Freddy Lamar stretchered off following a head injury, with a precautionary trip to A&E required. Following the game, Parkway Chairman Mark Russell paid tribute to all involved at Gloucester City for their assistance, recognising that some things are more important than football.
While Gloucester look well placed to mount a strong play-off challenge, Parkway will now turn their attention to the Bank Holiday weekend, where maximum points would go a long way towards securing safety. But as always, football has a funny old way of writing its own narrative.
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