Same Ground. Different Competition.
The Preview: Parkway vs Exmouth TownBy Kian Williams
Parkway are once again in cup action at Bolitho, as the Yellows welcome fellow Devon side Exmouth Town to PL5.
Just three days after Karl Curtis’s side made club history, beating Chertsey Town to qualify for the FA Cup first round for the first time, Bolitho is once again the venue, as Devon Bowl action takes centre stage.
Saturday’s result showed the character of Curtis and his side as after a long and gruelling week, which included the win against Wimborne in the week, Parkway booked their place in the first round of the FA Cup. After ending Wimborne’s impressive 13 unbeaten run on Tuesday night, Curtis had three days to prepare for Parkway’s historic game against Chertsey Town.
Infront of a busy Bolitho crowd, Curtis’s side produced a disciplined and patient performance to win the game 2-0. With neither side managing to break the deadlock at half-time, the game could have gone either way, but up stepped the inevitable Rocky Neal who slotted his finish into the bottom corner to give Parkway the lead.
As the game entered added time the Yellows looked to see the game out, yet Rocky wanted to write more headlines, as the striker incredibly beat two defenders and drove to the byline before finding Reece Thomson in the box. Thomson put the game beyond doubt as he found the back of the net, sending Parkway into the first round of the FA Cup.
After the draw on Monday night, Bolitho hosts the FA Cup for a third time in a row as Berkhamsted are the visitors. The tie is due to be played over the weekend of the 7th of November, where Parkway will be looking to continue this magical cup run.
Now, attention shifts to a competition more local. The Devon Bowl.
Exmouth received a bye into the first round of the cup, whereas Parkway were drawn to travel to South West Peninsula side Elburton Villa in the preliminary round. Goals either side of half-time from Hayden Turner and captain on the evening Callum Hall secured the win for Curtis’s side, after a positive performance on the road.
After a long week with two important games at home, tonight could prove the perfect opportunity for Curtis to shake up his squad, as well as providing opportunities for players who have waited patiently for minutes in the team, the chance to impress.
Exmouth currently play one step below Parkway in the Southern League Division One South. The Town are sitting midtable in the league with four wins and four losses. After an impressive start in the league where they took 10 points from 12, the side have since struggled for form in the league taking one win from the last five matches.
Parkway fans will notice familiar names on the Exmouth team sheet as club legend Mike Landricombe returns to Bolitho, along with striker Matt Wright. Landricombe, the Exmouth captain was part of the Parkway side who lifted the Southern League Division One South title in the 2021-22 season.
The sides last played against each other in the quarter finals of the same competition last year, where Parkway travelled to the King George V Ground. It was the Yellows who advanced into the semi-finals after a competitive game ended 2-3.
The result will of course matter, but so will the opportunity for minutes as well as the possibility of recovery.
Following Parkway’s FA Cup triumph at Bolitho. The same venue now plays host to familiar opposition as Exmouth arrive into PL5.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Exmouth Town
Competition: Devon County Cup
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 7:30pm
Matchday Admission
Tonight’s fixture will be at the reduced price of £5 per person.
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
