Robin's Return
The Preview: Frome Town vs ParkwayBy Mike Parrish
The FA Cup returns to the agenda on Saturday as Plymouth Parkway make the trip to Badgers Hill for a Second Qualifying Round tie with Frome Town, with the opportunity to put another chapter of recent history firmly behind them.
Parkway arrive in Somerset in fine form, having won six consecutive games in all competitions and climbed to second in the Southern League Premier South with 16 points from their opening seven matches.
But this is a different challenge. The league table and recent form count for little once the FA Cup gets underway, particularly against an opponent that Parkway have never managed to beat.
Frome have proved a difficult proposition throughout the history of this fixture, with Parkway collecting just two points from seven previous meetings. The most recent meeting came in the FA Cup last season, when the Robins produced a dominant performance to win 4-0 at a rain-soaked Bolitho Park.
There is therefore plenty of incentive for Karl Curtis’ side as the competition resumes. The contrast between the two teams’ respective starts to the season also makes for an intriguing contest. Frome currently sit fifth with 13 points from seven games, having adapted quickly following their immediate return to the Southern League Premier South after relegation in 2024/25.
The Robins started with back-to-back victories, beating Wimborne 2-0 before producing an impressive 4-0 away victory at Evesham United. Defeats against Gosport Borough and Chertsey Town briefly halted that momentum, but Frome responded by beating Bath City before progressing in the FA Cup with victory over Falmouth Town.
A 2-2 draw with Hanwell Town last weekend means Frome head into Saturday’s tie having lost just twice in the league this season.
There will be familiar threats for Parkway to deal with, including attacking midfielder Albert “Albie” Hopkins. The 26-year-old left-footer can operate centrally or from the wing and has established himself as one of Frome’s creative outlets.
Archie Ferris has also enjoyed a productive opening to the campaign, scoring twice against Wimborne on the opening day before adding another goal against Chertsey Town.
Then there is Jon Davies, a player whose connection with Frome runs far deeper than simply his performances on the pitch. With 261 appearances and 104 goals to his name, the club legend remains an important figure around Badgers Hill and was on the scoresheet in last weekend’s draw with Hanwell.
For Parkway, team selection will again provide Karl Curtis with a welcome headache. Joel Sullivan remains under assessment after the full-back picked up a knock in the County Cup and subsequently missed the trip to Sholing. Beyond Sullivan, the manager faces another difficult decision over his starting XI following such a strong opening to the campaign.
Saturday will also bring a significant personal milestone, with Ryan Brett set to make his 100th appearance for Parkway.
Six wins on the bounce have put Parkway in an excellent position heading into the weekend, but the FA Cup has a habit of writing its own story.
Frome have already been the authors of some difficult chapters. A return to Badgers Hill provides the opportunity for Parkway to start writing a different one.
Trees Transmission
Can’t make the trip to Frome? Be part of the FA Cup away day wherever you are.
Live commentary and interaction from Badgers Hill, live from 2:50pm.
Round Our Way
Nothing to watch? Revisit the much loved Round Our Way Parkway documentaries.
Season One: Round Our Way
Season Two: Round Our Way Again
