Parkway put their name in the hat
Parkway v Horsham | Match ReportPlymouth Parkway came from behind to defeat Horsham 2-1 at home, to book their place in the fourth and final qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Goals from captain and man of the match Rio Garside, as well as striker Reece Thomson completed the quick turnaround as the Yellows scored two goals in two minutes, after Horsham’s Ronan Silva scored the opener.
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Images: Ellie Bailey
FA Cup action returned to Bolitho Park for the first time this season, as Parkway welcomed Horsham to PL5 in the first ever meeting between the clubs for a place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Karl Curtis’s side travelled away in the first two rounds of the cup with victories over Gosport Borough and Frome Town to book their place in the third qualifying round. Meanwhile, Horsham’s home victory over Kingstonian and away victory over Havant & Waterlooville booked their place and a trip to Bolitho Park.
Parkway came into the game on the back of a trip to Gloucester on Tuesday night. Where the Yellows were denied all three points, after a last-gasp Ethan Dunbar strike meant the points were shared, after Rocky Neal’s opener.
Curtis made one change to his starting eleven from the midweek clash, with Joel Sullivan making his return to the eleven in place of the injured Mikey Williams. New signing Henry Donovan was also unavailable due to being cup-tied after featuring for Saltash United.
Horsham kicked the tie off and immediately put Parkway under pressure, winning a corner with their opening attack of the game. The Yellows responded well to the pressure and slowly found their feet in the game, until a Horsham break down the left-hand side found its way to the unmarked Jamie Yilla who somehow missed the target from just a few yards out.
The away side continued to have the better chances midway through the first half, but the yellows continued to manage the pressure and goalkeeper Dearing defended his goal well, making a number of good saves.
After a mixup down the left from Parkway, Reece Myles Meekums picked up the ball and got the better of Joel Sullivan as he drove into the box, before pulling the ball back for Ronan Silva, who made no mistake as he drilled his shot past Dearing to open the scoring.
Parkway responded with some half-chances of their own, but none could break down the Horsham defence who remained untouched. Horsham’s attack remained a constant threat, as the Yellows worked hard to make sure they wouldn’t find themselves two goals down at the break.
The fourth official signalled three additional minutes before half-time, as Parkway searched for an equaliser before the break, but couldn’t find it. Referee Matt Langdon blew his whistle to end the first half, as Horsham took a deserved lead going into the second-half.
Curtis’s side returned after the break and started well, with Callum Hall winning a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box. Jensen Ireland and captain Rio Garside stood over the dead ball giving Parkway options with both feet. It was the captain who struck to no avail as his effort couldn’t find its way past Michael Dike.
However Horsham responded with a dangerous chance of their own as Yilla got the better of Ryan Brett on the left-hand side of the box, before putting the ball on a plate for Ashley Nadesan, who hit the bar from only a few yards out before Dearing collected the follow up. A warning sign for Parkway.
Reece Thomson collected the Yellows second booking of the afternoon after Brett’s scuffle earlier on, giving Horsham a free kick in a good position on the edge of the box, which they couldn’t turn into a goal. Parkway then went up the other end and after more brilliant work from Callum Hall, nearly found the equaliser they so desperately wanted.
Parkway had switched to a back four and started to cause Horsham problems and had completely flipped the momentum of the game as it entered its final 20 minutes. A dangerous attack earned the Yellows a corner which Jensen Ireland stood over. The wing-back delivered a threatening ball, which found captain Rio Garside who turned the ball home to score the equalizer and gave Parkway a way back into the game.
The Yellows continued to cause havoc straight from the restart, earning them another corner. Ireland sent another delightful cross into the box which found the head of the leaping Thomson who found the back of the net to put Parkway in front as Bolitho erupted. Two goals in two minutes for the Yellows, who had completely turned the game around, much to the delight of the Parkway faithful.
Curtis looked to his bench with a quarter of the game remaining as Will Sullivan made way for Hayden Turner upfront and Ed Harrison was brought on to strengthen the midfield in place of Rocky Neal. Thomson and Turner combined superbly to run down the clock, with Turner hitting the bar in the latter stages of the game, which surely would have booked Parkway’s place in the next round.
The Midfield of Hall, Harrison and the two Garside’s broke up the play exceptionally and limited Horsham’s creativity. The back four worked hard to confirm victory and were commanded by the ever present Dearing who made sure anything that came into the box was quickly dispatched back towards the Horsham goal.
The referee blew the final whistle and Parkway’s place in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup was confirmed much to the jubilation of Curtis, his team and the majority of the 650 packed inside Bolitho.
Curtis’s assistant Matt Godfree spoke to Parkway TV and gave his honest assessment of a game of two halves. Godfree praised his team’s response in the second half and said “The biggest thing was that belief, and getting back to what we stand for as a Parkway player.”
Godfree also exclaimed how happy he was to see goalscorer Reece Thomson open his account for the season, whilst also applauding captain Rio Garside’s afternoon. “When you’re looking for people to spark something, he’s your man.” He said.
Everyone involved with Parkway can now look forward to the FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw on Monday. Whether that is to be a massive home game or a special away day, it is sure to be a game not to be missed, as Parkway attempts to go to a place they have never been before.
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