Homeward Bound
The Preview: Parkway vs Havant & WaterloovilleBy Mike Parrish
After a week that took Parkway from the highs of a seven-goal opening day to two demanding fixtures on the road, the Yellows return to Bolitho Park on Saturday with Havant & Waterlooville the visitors.
There is a different feel to the table than there was seven days ago. Parkway sit on four points from their opening three matches and have already shown plenty of promise under Karl Curtis, but Saturday presents the first opportunity to respond on home soil after suffering their first defeat of the campaign at Chippenham Town.
The 3-2 scoreline in Wiltshire did not tell the whole story. Parkway led, and then found a way back into the contest when 2-1 down, with Rocky Neal continuing his impressive start to the season before Rio Garside levelled late on, but a costly mistake ultimately allowed Chippenham to claim all three points.
For Curtis, the bigger picture remained encouraging. His side had already demonstrated its attacking threat against Bracknell and its defensive resolve at Bath, before showing another quality at Chippenham: a refusal to accept defeat when the game appeared to be slipping away.
That mentality will be tested again on Saturday. Havant & Waterlooville arrive in Plymouth with their own early-season questions to answer. The Hawks began with defeats against Berkhamsted and Uxbridge, both by a 2-0 scoreline, before finally getting off the mark last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Frome Town.
There is no shortage of experience within the visiting squad. Ryan Seager represents a significant threat in the final third after finding the net 37 times last season, while the former Southampton and MK Dons forward has also experienced football in the Netherlands with Telstar.
Paul McCallum offers another proven goalscoring option. The 32-year-old joined Havant from Dorking Wanderers and previously enjoyed a prolific spell at Eastleigh, including a 31-goal campaign in 38 Step 1 appearances during the 2023/24 season.
In midfield, Imran Uche brings considerable experience despite being only 26. The 6ft 3in defensive midfielder has more than 80 Step 2 appearances behind him and spent last season with Farnham Town, making 40 appearances in this division.
There is also an interesting piece of history between the clubs. Saturday will be the fifth competitive meeting, with Parkway and Havant having each recorded one victory alongside two draws. Neither side has previously won away from home, giving Parkway an opportunity to maintain that particular record in front of the Bolitho faithful.
Curtis has no fresh injury concerns to contend with and therefore faces the more welcome problem of having a full squad available. With four points already collected from three fixtures, the Parkway boss must decide whether to retain the bulk of the side that started the opening three matches or make wholesale changes for the return to Bolitho.
There is plenty for Parkway supporters to look forward to. The opening-day demolition of Bracknell demonstrated what the side can produce at its best, while the performances at Bath and Chippenham have provided evidence that this is a group capable of competing when games become more difficult.
The first defeat has arrived, but there is no need for Parkway to lose sight of what has already been achieved. Saturday brings the chance to turn the page, reconnect with the Bolitho faithful and start the next chapter of what has already been an intriguing opening to the Karl Curtis era.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Havant & Waterlooville
Competition: Southern League Premier South
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 3pm
Today’s Match Sponsor: MAG Developments SW Ltd.
Saturday’s match is proudly sponsored by long-standing Parkway partners MAG Developments SW Ltd, a Plymouth-based building contractor delivering extensions, conversions, renovations and new builds across the South West.
Matchday Admission
Please note, there is always a cash or card payment available on arrival at every home game.
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
