PARKWAY SUFFER DEFEAT AT THE HEATH
Theo Simpson would find the net for the first time of pre-season after his summer move to Bolitho but that would be the highlight as Parkway lacked the cutting edge they displayed at Trungle Parc 3 days earlier writes Mike Parrish…
 Buckland AthleticPlymouth Parkway 
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A VIEW FROM THE HEATH
Lee Hobbs would be critical of his players after Parkway limped to a 2-1 defeat on a perfect evening for football in Newton Abbot.
A lovely welcome was put on by the Bucks as the Yellow Army made the short trip to Homers Heath looking to see more of the same brand of football Parkway displayed at Trungle Parc three days earlier.
Overall, they would be left largely disappointed as Parkway looked a completely different side to the one that took to the field in Cornwall. Buckland in large, must take the plaudits as they looked like the team who wanted to battle, fight and scrap for every ball which continued throughout the 90mins.
The opening goal would come via the penalty spot as captain Mike Landricombe would over commit in the penalty area leaving Stockton to give the Bucks the advantage after 13 minutes.
Things didn’t really improve despite going a goal down as play was fragmented and lacked any real quality for large periods. This would change on 24 minutes as Parkway began to play some controlled passing football and fine play in midfielder would see the ball find Tyler Ashmead, who’s perfect cross found the head of Theo Simpson to level the score on the night.
Cue Parkway? Not quite. That short spell of football would be as good as it got for the away fans and shortly after the restart, a soft free-kick would see Carter find the top corner and restore the advantage for Buckland.
Multiple changes and breaks in play would give the fixture the same feel as the Torpoint friendly earlier in the pre-season campaign. Parkway huffed and puffed and produced half chances but of no real significance.
A late penalty shout for Parkway proved a big talking point for a few moments but going by the gaffers post match reaction thoughts, a draw would not have made much difference.
A frustrating night but a learning night. If pre-season was a case of a goalscoring free for all against teams lower down the leagues, it wouldn’t really do anyone any good. Games like Buckland and arguably Torpoint will aid the coaching staff better as to what is required and how to approach certain scenarios.
Images: Tom Finnie
PARKWAY STATS
GOAL: THEO SIMPSON (24)
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