Good Friday Brings High Drama to Bolitho
Parkway v Basingstoke Town | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
In the blink of an eye, the season has reached its business end in the Southern League Premier South. At the top of the table, Walton & Hersham look all but certain to be crowned champions, but at the bottom, the real drama is still very much to be played out.
Parkway return to Bolitho Park following defeat away at second-placed Gloucester City, a game in which they did not disgrace themselves despite travelling with a squad heavily affected by injuries. The Yellows currently sit 14th in the table, five points above the drop zone, and now entertain Basingstoke Town, who sit one place and one point behind as the relegation battle reaches a critical stage.
Interim manager Stuart Dudley and his Parkway side have done well to pull themselves away from immediate danger after four wins and a draw prior to the trip to Gloucester. While they remain in the conversation at the wrong end of the table, there is an opportunity to move closer to safety if they can collect maximum points from fixtures against Basingstoke Town and Tiverton Town across the Easter weekend.
But first, all attention turns to Good Friday and the visit of Basingstoke, with both sides knowing the importance of the points on offer.
Earlier in the season, Parkway travelled to Winklebury and took the lead through Ryan Brett. Despite Basingstoke being reduced to ten men, Parkway were unable to hold onto the advantage, a storyline that has surfaced too often this season and contributed to their current position.
Basingstoke arrive in Devon following a dramatic encounter against relegation-threatened Taunton Town last weekend. James Clark thought he had secured victory with an 81st-minute strike, only for Taunton’s Jack Rice to equalise from the penalty spot late on. That result means Basingstoke have drawn three of their last four matches, with their only recent win coming against bottom side Tiverton Town.
Parkway return home knowing Bolitho Park has served them well in recent weeks, not only in results but in performance levels. Victories over Wimborne Town, Yate Town and Chertsey Town, followed by a memorable win against Farnham Town, have helped steady the ship at a crucial time.
One of the major talking points ahead of the fixture will be how many players return to fitness. Stuart Dudley will use training this week to assess his options ahead of a crucial weekend. Luke McCormick is expected to return in goal, while stand-in Freddy Lamar will not be available. There was also relief following the trip to Gloucester, as the goalkeeper received the all clear from hospital after sustaining a head injury in the closing moments of that contest.
With the stakes rising and the season entering its decisive phase, Parkway will once again call on the Plymouth public to play their part and provide that extra lift from the sidelines. The Theatre of Trees has been a fortress in recent weeks, and with so much on the line, the Yellows will need every voice behind them as they look to take another important step towards safety.
Match Info
Plymouth Parkway vs Basingstoke Town
Southern League Premier South
Bolitho Park
Friday, April 3 (3pm)
Gates open from Midday
Pay on the gate option available
Adult: £13
Concession: £11
Under 16’s: £8
Under 10’s: Free with paying adult.
Parkway Partners
