Parkway aim to end away-day drought at Hungerford
Hungerford Town v Parkway | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
Plymouth Parkway will look to continue their mini resurgence this weekend as they make the trip to Berkshire to face Hungerford Town, aiming to extend a three-match winning run and finally put an end to their long away-day drought.
After an indifferent start to the campaign, Parkway have hit form with three successive victories in league and cup, including Tuesday night’s hard-fought 2–1 win over Taunton Town at Bolitho Park. That result lifted Chris McPhee’s side to 16th in the table on 12 points, one behind their hosts, and provided further evidence that last season’s rhythm is beginning to return.
Hungerford, sitting 13th on 13 points from 11 games, head into the fixture in contrasting form. The Crusaders have lost three on the bounce across league and cup, conceding a combined 12 goals in that spell, including a 3-1 midweek defeat at Uxbridge and a 6-3 FA Trophy exit to Bracknell Town. Their defensive frailties have been costly, and with 20 goals conceded so far, the hosts will be eager to fix the flood on home soil.
For Parkway, the challenge lies on the road. Despite recent eye-catching performances at Bolitho Park, their away record remains a concern. Just two points collected from five trips this season, and none since April’s 1–0 win at Winchester City last season. Restoring confidence away from Devon will be central to maintaining their upward league movement.
Few venues have proved as punishing for Parkway as Hungerford’s Bulpit Lane. The last two visits have been emphatic defeats. A 9-3 reverse last season and a 7-0 loss on opening day the year before. Hungerford also completed the double over Parkway last term, winning 2-0 in Devon courtesy of a double from Gerson Da Costa Ramos.
However, Parkway have recorded a victory at Bulpit Lane in unusual circumstances, when the ground hosted one of their designated home 2023/24 fixtures during Bolitho Park’s unavailability, a 4–1 win over Swindon Supermarine.
Those memories will provide extra motivation for McPhee’s side, who now arrive with renewed hope and a more confident defensive shape than earlier in the season.
Parkway travel with almost a full complement of players available. Midfielder Carlo Garside returns to the fold after a spell on the sidelines, bolstering options in the middle of the park. Cruise Nyadazyo remains unavailable for personal reasons, while captain Shane White continues his recovery from a long-term injury. Otherwise, McPhee is expected to retain much of the side that secured victory over Taunton.
Saturday’s clash presents Parkway with both a test and an opportunity. A chance to convert home form into away security, and to finally banish a miserable record at Bulpit Lane. Three points could lift them further clear of the lower pack and maintain their resurgence as the season’s second quarter takes shape.
With confidence restored and competition for places returning across the squad, Parkway make the trip north with quiet belief that this weekend might just be the turning point on their travels.
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