Ready, Set, Yellow...
The Preview: Parkway vs Bracknell TownBy Mike Parrish
The wait is finally over.
After months of preparation, Plymouth Parkway begin their Southern League Premier South campaign on Saturday afternoon as Bracknell Town make the journey to Bolitho Park for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 season.
A new season inevitably brings fresh optimism, but this year there is an added sense of anticipation in PL5. Saturday marks Karl Curtis’ first full campaign in charge of the Yellows and the beginning of a new chapter, with supporters eager to see how a reshaped Parkway side fares after an encouraging summer for all areas of the club.
Opening day has not been kind to Parkway since promotion to Step 3. The club are still searching for a first opening-day victory in the Southern Premier League South, with defeats to Hungerford Town, Basingstoke Town and, most recently, Walton & Hersham extending that run. It is a statistic rather than a burden, however, and one Curtis will hope his side can put behind them as they begin another demanding campaign.
Pre-season has provided plenty of encouragement. Parkway produced several impressive performances throughout the summer, none more so than the 1-0 victory over Torquay United, while new arrivals have settled quickly into the group. Defender Joel Sullivan and midfielder Ed Harrison are among the additions expected to feature prominently as Curtis continues to shape his squad.
Although preparations ended with a 3-0 defeat to National League side Truro City, the Parkway boss was quick to highlight the positives, believing the test came at the right time ahead of what promises to be a competitive opening afternoon.
Bracknell Town also arrive having undergone significant change during the close season. Following the departure of their manager during pre-season, the Robins appointed Adam Hopkins before strengthening their squad with several eye-catching additions. Among them is former Farnham Town playmaker Harry Cooksley, widely regarded as one of the Southern League’s standout performers last season, while former fans favourite Great Evans has also re-joined the Berkshire club.
The visitors completed a mixed pre-season programme with an emphatic 5-0 victory over a youthful Dorking Wanderers side on Tuesday evening, having also recorded wins over Bedfont Sports and Harrow Borough. Draws and defeats elsewhere suggest they remain a side finding their rhythm under new leadership.
Bracknell possess quality throughout their squad, with attacking midfielder Stefan Ilić bringing creativity after his involvement in Baller League, while Afghanistan international Taufiq Skandari offers experience at the top end of the pitch, having previously featured in UEFA Conference League competition.
History suggests there is little to separate the sides. The clubs have met eight times, with Parkway winning four, Bracknell claiming two victories and the remaining two encounters ending level. At Bolitho Park, Parkway hold a slight edge with two wins from four meetings, although Bracknell were victorious on their first visit to Devon in April 2023.
Curtis has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from for his first competitive match in charge. Mikey Williams and Hayden Turner both return after missing the final pre-season fixture, leaving the Parkway manager with no injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s opener.
While every manager would welcome three points on the opening afternoon, Curtis knows the bigger picture. A season is built over 42 league matches rather than one Saturday in August. Even so, a positive start in front of the Bolitho faithful would provide the perfect platform as Parkway set out to establish themselves once again in the Southern League Premier South.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Bracknell Town
Competition: Southern League Premier South
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 3pm
Today’s Match Sponsor: Dash of Silver
Plymouth charity Dash of Silver will be Saturday’s Match Day Partner, using the occasion to help raise awareness of Testicular Cancer and men’s health.
Matchday Admission
Family Matchday Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children Under 16) £30
Family Matchday Ticket (1 Adult, 2 Children Under 16) £20
Adult Matchday Admission £14
Concession Matchday Admission £12
Under 16 (accompanied by a paying Adult) £5
Under 10 (accompanied by a paying Adult) Free
Match Tickets
Supporters can purchase tickets in advance by Fanbase.
Ticket Link via Fanbase HERE
Gates Open from:
Saturday fixtures: 12:30pm
Tuesday evening fixtures: 6:00pm
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the build-up to kick-off.
Matchday Experience
Make the most of your visit to Bolitho Park by arriving early and enjoying everything on offer around the ground.
The Full Time clubhouse will be open before and throughout the afternoon, serving a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a welcoming matchday atmosphere.
The Burger Shack will also be open, serving a selection of hot food before kick-off and throughout the match.
Supporters can also visit the Parkway Pop-Up Shop, where a range of official Plymouth Parkway merchandise will be available to purchase, including replica shirts, hats, scarves and other club merchandise.
Getting to Bolitho Park
By Road
Leave the A38 at the Manadon Junction. At the roundabout, take the turning onto St Peter’s Road. Continue for approximately one mile before turning right into the entrance to Bolitho Park.
Official Taxi Partner
Getting to Bolitho Park is even easier with Easy Cars Plymouth, the club’s Official Taxi Partner. Use code PPFC1 when booking through the Easy Cars app to receive 10% off your journey to the game.
Download the App for your smartphone.
Parking
Parking Information and Booking CLICK HERE
Round Our Way
If you’re visiting Bolitho Park for the first time or would like to learn more about the football club, watch the Round Our Way documentary series.
Season One: Round Our Way
Season Two: Round Our Way Again
Parkway Partners
