FA Cup Magic Returns to Bolitho Park
The Preview: Parkway vs Horsham FCBy Mike Parrish
The FA Cup returns to Bolitho Park on Saturday afternoon as Plymouth Parkway welcomes Horsham in the Third Qualifying Round.
With a place in the First Round proper now just two victories away, another big chapter in Parkway’s FA Cup journey awaits.
It will also be a first meeting between the two clubs, with Horsham making the trip to Plymouth from the National League South.
For Karl Curtis, Saturday also marks the beginning of a new chapter of his own.
Having officially moved into his full-time role this week, Curtis becomes the first manager in Parkway’s history to take on the position on a full-time basis. The Horsham tie will therefore be his first official match in the role.
The timing comes after a midweek trip to Gloucester City, where Parkway were denied all three points by a last-gasp equaliser.
Rocky Neal had given Parkway the lead after 15 minutes with his ninth goal of the season, before Ethan Dunbar struck with virtually the final kick of the game to earn Gloucester a 1-1 draw.
Despite the disappointment of surrendering the lead so late, Curtis’ side remain top of the Southern League Premier South after ten matches, having produced another disciplined away performance.
Parkway have already negotiated two difficult away ties to reach the Third Qualifying Round.
The journey began at Gosport Borough in the First Qualifying Round, where Curtis’ side produced a strong finish to secure a 3-1 victory at Privett Park.
Mikey Williams put Parkway ahead shortly before half-time, before Gosport levelled through Kris Campbell after the break.
With the tie finely poised, Toby Down restored Parkway’s advantage in the 89th minute, rising highest from a Rio Garside corner to head home.
There was still time for one more moment, with Callum Hall taking advantage of an open goal in stoppage time to make it 3-1 and confirm Parkway’s place in the next round.
The Second Qualifying Round brought another away day, this time at Frome Town.
Parkway produced another disciplined performance at Badgers Hill before finding the breakthrough early in the second half.
Captain Rio Garside kept his composure to put Parkway ahead, before Callum Hall doubled the advantage from inside the area.
The 2-0 victory secured safe passage into the Third Qualifying Round and finally saw Parkway record their first victory at Frome.
Horsham arrive at Bolitho Park from the National League South, one level above Parkway.
The Hornets currently sit 16th after nine league matches, with two wins, five draws and two defeats.
Their most recent league outing ended goalless at Chelmsford City, before Horsham returned to cup action in midweek with a 10-0 victory over Newhaven in the Sussex Senior Cup.
The FA Cup campaign has already seen Horsham negotiate one tie. A 3-0 away victory at Walton & Hersham in the Second Qualifying Round secured their place in Saturday’s draw.
Horsham also bring considerable recent FA Cup experience to Plymouth. The club have reached the First Round Proper on four occasions, in 1947/48, 1966/67, 2021/22 and 2024/25, while the Hornets have twice progressed as far as the Second Round, in 2007/08 and 2023/24.
After a demanding opening two months of the campaign, Parkway now have the opportunity to enjoy another big afternoon at Bolitho Park.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Horsham FC
Competition: FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 3pm
Today’s Match Sponsor: AWR Group
For Parkway, AWR Group is much more than a business partner. Andy is a passionate Parkway fan and has been a valued sponsor of the football club for a number of years.
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
