The Trophy Test
Parkway and Bath City meet for a second time this season with a place in the next round at stakeBy Mike Parrish
The first meeting between Plymouth Parkway and Bath City this season ended with the points shared.
Saturday brings a very different prize. Bath City return to Bolitho Park for the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round, with a place in the next stage of the competition at stake and two sides who know considerably more about each other than they did when they met under the lights at Twerton Park in August.
That first encounter came just 48 hours after Parkway’s emphatic 7-0 opening-day victory over Bracknell Town. Bath provided a very different examination, and Parkway responded accordingly, taking the lead through Mikey Williams before Reuben Reid levelled shortly after half-time.
Bath pushed hard in the closing stages, with Parkway forced into a defensive battle that included a spell of seven corners in four minutes. Aaron Dearing stood firm in goal, the backline refused to buckle and the visitors left Twerton Park with a point.
It was an early indication of the resilience developing inside Karl Curtis’ side.
Much has changed since. Parkway now arrive at the Trophy tie unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions, having completed a perfect double over Frome Town earlier this week. Two successive 2-0 victories over the Robins moved the Yellows to the top of the Southern League Premier South and continued an excellent run of form.
Bath have also established themselves among the leading sides in the division and currently sit fifth in the Southern League Premier South, with their recent response ensuring they head to Plymouth with confidence restored.
The Romans were knocked out of the FA Cup a fortnight ago, but the response since then has been emphatic. A 2-0 victory over local rivals Chippenham Town was followed by an impressive midweek win at Taunton Town, where Scott Wilson struck after just five minutes, Harry Parsons added a second seven minutes later and Donovan Wilson completed the scoring in the 69th minute.
Those results have provided momentum at an important point in the season, while off the pitch Bath have entered a new chapter of their own. The £6 million takeover of Bath City Football Club by an investment group led by Andrew Stalbow was officially completed on September 10, adding another significant backdrop to a club already looking to build for the future.
On the pitch, there is certainly no shortage of experience for Parkway to contend with. The first meeting highlighted the threat of Reuben Reid, whose career has included spells with Plymouth Argyle and a host of other Football League clubs. Scott Wilson also brings Football League experience, while Joe Raynes and Danny Greenslade provide considerable experience at this level.
Parkway know first-hand how Bath can apply pressure. But they also know they can hurt them. Williams’ opener at Twerton Park came after Parkway had begun to find their rhythm against a side that had initially controlled possession, while Callum Hall had already gone close before the experienced defender found the far corner.
The difference this time is the setting. Saturday’s tie will be played at Bolitho Park, where Parkway have established an impressive record. The Yellows have also grown significantly since that August evening, with the confidence that comes from an extended unbeaten run and a series of demanding fixtures already negotiated.
The FA Trophy, however, offers no room for the safety net of a league point.
There has to be a winner. And if the scores are level after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time, the tie will go straight to a penalty shootout to decide who progresses.
That changes the equation and should make for another intriguing meeting between two sides that have already discovered just how little separates them.
For Parkway, it is another opportunity to take the momentum of a superb September into the cup competitions and continue a season that is gathering pace.
For Bath, it is a chance to build on their recent response, consolidate their position among the division’s leading sides and carry the confidence of consecutive victories into another difficult away assignment.
The first meeting showed two sides capable of cancelling each other out.Saturday demands something different. This time, there is no point to share.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Bath City
Competition: FA Trophy
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 3pm
Today’s Match Sponsor: MAG Developments
Parkway is hugely grateful for the continued support of MAG Developments and proud to have such an important partner backing the club.
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 £15
Concession Matchday Admission £13
Under 16 (accompanied by a paying Adult) £6
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
