Garside’s free-kick the difference as Parkway claim all three points
Written by Mike Parrish
Images by Tom Finnie
1 - Plymouth Parkway Garside (31) 0 - Cirencester Town
One year ago, Parkway would entertain Street in the Western League and run out 10-2 winners on a night that would live long in the memory for the Parkway faithful in attendance. Fast forward 12 months and in a new league, Parkway produced a performance that would match that of a year ago despite only one goal on show at Bolitho.
Cirencester Town arrived at Bolitho Park, a place they were familiar with after a trip to Devon in midweek to face Truro City in the FA Trophy. The Centurions showed why they were placed 4th in the league as they were unlucky to bow out of the FA Trophy.
Town, unbeaten in the league, would face a Parkway side unbeaten at home but still wounded from a difficult month on the road. A victory over Merthyr Town in the Trophy last weekend would ease their pain but the visit of Cirencester would be classed as a six pointer by manager Lee Hobbs before kick-off.
Callum Rose would return to defence following a midweek niggle to Aaron Bentley. Jamie Lowry made his first start of the season and Jack Crago would lead the line as Tom Bath dropped to the bench.
A healthy crowd of 433 would see two sides match each other in the early exchanges and two good defensive units restrict any early clear-cut chances. The busy Callum Hall would be the architect of the first chance on goal as the midfielders pass would find Crago lurking in the area as Alex Harris in the Town goal reacted smartly to deal with the danger. Cirencester would begin to impose themselves on the game as the impressive Kinsly Murray worked Kyle Moore for the first time as Parkway’s number one dealt well with the danger.
The game would settle back to a physical contest with Jamie Lowry ensuring Parkway’s midfield dealt with Town’s hard-working approach. As the game approached the half hour mark, Parkway would be awarded a free kick on the edge of the area and loan signing Rio Garside, who scored the winner last weekend would produce a piece of magic to open the scoring.
The game was always going to need something special to break the deadlock and Garside duly obliged with a superb free kick as the Yellows lead at the break. In recent games, Parkway would be punished for lapses in concentration and defensive frailties but with Mike Landricombe commanding at the back, they produced arguably their best 45 minutes of the season.
Town would begin to work good areas in the second half, but a resolute Parkway would keep the door shut. Argyle loanee Finley Craske would make his debut as an early second half substitute and showed his potential as he settled well in defence. Lowry, along with Hall and Billy Palfrey in midfield would keep Parkway ticking in the second half and despite Town’s search for the equaliser, it would be the home side who carved out the better chances. Garside arguably should have made it two and moments later Crago would have a goal ruled out for offside.
The last 15 minutes were frantic but Parkway stayed organised and restricted Town. The Centurions enjoyed a late spell of dead ball situations and produced a heart in the mouth moment as Shayne Anson struck the post in the 91st minute as Hobbs’ men held out for all three points.
Parkway’s undefeated home record would remain intact on an afternoon which saw a different side of Parkway and a side that look to have learnt from their recent mistakes. Credit must be given to Cirencester who proved why they were unbeaten before kick-off and will no doubt be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. It was to be Parkway’s day though as the Yellows move up to 11th with a big 3 points and confidence restored.
Parkway 11 – Moore, Davis (Craske 4*) Lane, Lowry, Rose, Landricombe, Williams, Palfrey, Crago, Hall (Copp 79) Garside (Carter 72)
Star Player – Mike Landricombe
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