Roadmap Continues at the Theatre of Trees
Parkway v Chertsey Town | Match PreviewBy Mike Parrish
A double rainbow illuminated an eerie skyline across Bolitho Park on Saturday afternoon, but with a crack of sunshine breaking through it could easily sum up Parkway’s recent resurgence as Project Hail Mary took another important step forward.
Returning striker Mitch Beardmore proved the difference, rising highest to head home the winner on 77 minutes to secure a valuable three points against fellow strugglers Yate Town. But as every Parkway fan knows, there will still be plenty of twists and turns before the final whistle blows on this season, with ten games remaining for the Yellows to navigate.
The next step in that roadmap arrives under the lights on Tuesday evening as play-off chasing Chertsey Town travel to the Theatre of Trees.
There will be work to do before kick-off. Saturday’s contest took its toll on the Bolitho surface as the basement battle was played out in ever-changing conditions of wind, rain and hail. Groundstaff and members of the supporters’ club will once again be working hard to ensure the pitch is ready, with the club hoping the weather offers some assistance in the coming days.
Parkway were good value for their win on Saturday. It was not a game built on flowing attacking football, but on a difficult surface they did enough to create opportunities and looked a side with confidence returning and perhaps even a touch of swagger.
Toby Down marked his return with an assured display alongside Taylor Scarff, who returned from injury to produce a commanding performance in the heart of defence. Beardmore’s second debut produced another goal, echoing the impact he made the first time he pulled on a Parkway shirt.
There are still decisions to be made for Stuart Dudley. Joe Hatch will need to be assessed after limping off on Saturday, although Tylor Love-Holmes is expected to be available. The interim manager will also welcome back club captain Shane White from suspension, while James Watts-Barciela is set to return after injury.
Chertsey arrive in Devon looking to reignite their play-off push after a surprise 4–0 defeat at Sholing halted a run of four consecutive victories. The Curfews sit one place outside the play-off spots on goal difference, having collected 57 points from 34 games.
The reverse meeting between the sides in November was a difficult afternoon for Parkway. Dan Berry’s second-half strike secured the points for Chertsey at Alwyns Lane in a game that could easily have finished by a wider margin.
But that was then, and this is now.
There is a different feel around Bolitho Park. Dudley and assistant Lee Peacock have their players believing again, and with Saturday’s victory lifting Parkway out of the relegation places, the club will once again call on the Plymouth public to pack the park and help push the Yellows towards another huge step in their survival bid.
Match Info
Plymouth Parkway vs Chertsey town
Southern League Premier South
Bolitho Park
Tuesday, March 17 (7:45pm)
Gates open from 6pm
Pay on the gate option available
Adult: £13
Concession: £11
Under 16’s: £8
Under 10’s: Free with paying adult.
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