A 24-hour turnaround awaits Parkway as they shift their focus to Hayes & Yeading.
Parkway v Hayes & Yeading United | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
Plymouth Parkway endured their fourth consecutive league defeat on Thursday evening against Merthyr Town at their temporary home, Yate Town Football Club. The Yellows must swiftly regroup as they prepare for a quick return to the South West Interiors Stadium this Saturday for a crucial fixture against Hayes & Yeading.
It’s worth noting the accommodating and friendly nature of the Yate Town board and volunteers, who are currently assisting Parkway during this challenging period. Facing promotion-chasing Merthyr Town is always tough, but the absence of home comforts and the change in venue altered the dynamics of the fixture even before kickoff.
Parkway were ultimately undone by two early goals, one on each side of halftime, but they competed well throughout the 90 minutes and managed to find the net, albeit from a penalty, ending a four-game goal drought.
Having become accustomed to the surroundings of the South West Interiors Stadium, Parkway will now plan for the clash against Hayes and Yeading United, who currently sit two places above them, with a six-point advantage, albeit with Parkway holding seven games in hand.
This match carries more significance than Thursday’s encounter, with a win for Lee Hobbs’ men narrowing the gap to three points as they strive to climb out of the relegation zone during the busy final weeks of the season.
Parkway previously secured three points against Hayes & Yeading, marking their last victory in the Southern League, thanks to goals from Dylan Jones & Shane White in the capital.
Since that January fixture, United have shown improvement, claiming victories against strong opponents like Bracknell Town, Hungerford, Poole Town, and a resurgent Beaconsfield Town. However, their recent form has dipped with defeats against Didcot Town, AFC Totton, and, most recently, Gosport Borough.
This upcoming match might see form take a back seat as both teams, desperate for points, focus solely on securing a vital three points in the battle for survival.
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