Under the Bolitho Lights
The Preview: Parkway vs Gloucester CityBy Kian Williams
Plymouth Parkway welcome South West counterparts Gloucester City tomorrow night, as Karl Curtis’s side look to return to winning ways after their defeat to Basingstoke.
The Yellows took the trip up to Hampshire on Saturday where they took on the Dragons. With the rain pouring down and wind making the conditions almost unbearable, Parkway suffered their third league defeat of the season and second away defeat in a row. Goals from Scott Armsworth and Joe O’Loughlin confirmed the result and sent Curtis’s side home empty handed.
Curtis gave his assessment following the defeat on Parkway TV and described the result as a “really bad day at the office.” Before he followed on saying, “but they haven’t got the club where they are in the FA Cup or in the league from being a bad group of players.” He later praised his sides “character and quality” as he said “if the result doesn’t go our way on Tuesday it won’t be through a lack of running or endeavour, the boys will give everything”
Now the focus must shift to midweek where Bolitho is the venue, the place Parkway remain unbeaten in the league. The test is a Gloucester side who are fighting near the bottom of the table. Meanwhile Parkway, despite the loss at Basingstoke still sit comfortably near the top, still only four points off Poole Town who have set the pace twelve games into the season.
The Tigers travel to PL5 off the back of heartbreak in the FA Trophy, as they lost on penalties away at Redditch United. Gloucester turned around a goal deficit to lead 2-1, as the game entered its closing stages despite being a man down, but a late equaliser from Redditch’s Dan Sweeney sent the game to penalties. The home side used their advantage to the good as they dispatched four perfect penalties to advance into the next round.
Regardless of the cup result, the Tigers will be confident as they return to league action after beating fourth placed side Hanworth Villa in their previous league outing. Neither side could find an opening during the first-half, before striker Ashley Hemmings’s strike gave Gloucester the lead only a minute after half-time. Hamworth responded with half an hour on the clock to level the game, but two late goals from the Tigers took the points back to Gloucester.
Despite their league position, Gloucester have been a difficult team to beat, with the Tigers only losing four league games so far this season. They have shared the points on another four occasions including in the previous meeting with Curtis’s side.
Parkway produced a disciplined away performance at the KMM Energy Stadium before they were denied all three points with virtually the last kick of the game. Substitute Ethan Dunbar rescued his team late on as his strike found the back of the Parkway net. After Rocky Neal opened the scoring inside 15 minutes.
There has been plenty more history between the two sides as over the last two seasons the home side has claimed maximum points in each meeting. In March of last season a depleted Parkway side under the management of Stuart Dudley suffered a 3-0 defeat, but in the earlier stages of the campaign, Jake Smith snatched all three points thanks to his last-minute winner.
There was also an unforgettable game in December of 2024 when Mitch Beardmore gave the Parkway faithful an early Christmas present. As Parkway delivered a 6-0 thrashing over Gloucester, where Beardmore impressively scored all six goals.
New signing Ed Palmer will also be available tomorrow night. The Parkway boss said “it’s a welcome addition, we know what Ed’s going to bring, not only on the pitch but off it as well and he’s a big personality.”
With three games in seven days, Curtis knows his side cannot dwell on the weekend.
“Get on the bike and go again” is always the message from the manager as the focus must shift to the task ahead and what a place to respond.
Under the lights at Bolitho Park, as Gloucester are the visitors to PL5.
SUPPORTERS' GUIDE
Fixture: Plymouth Parkway vs Gloucester City
Competition: Southern League Premier South
Venue: Bolitho Park, St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JH
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Today’s Match Sponsor: Western Counties Roofing
Western Counties Roofing provides sustainable roofing solutions across the commercial, industrial and domestic sectors, supporting projects ranging from new developments to renovations.
Matchday Admission
Family Matchday Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children Under 16) £30
Family Matchday Ticket (1 Adult, 2 Children Under 16) £20
Adult Matchday Admission £14
Concession Matchday Admission £12
Under 16 (accompanied by a paying Adult) £5
Under 10 (accompanied by a paying Adult) Free
Match Tickets
Supporters can purchase tickets in advance by Fanbase.
Ticket Link via Fanbase HERE
Gates Open from:
Saturday fixtures: 12:30pm
Tuesday evening fixtures: 6:00pm
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the build-up to kick-off.
Matchday Experience
Make the most of your visit to Bolitho Park by arriving early and enjoying everything on offer around the ground.
The Full Time clubhouse will be open before and throughout the afternoon, serving a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a welcoming matchday atmosphere.
The Burger Shack will also be open, serving a selection of hot food before kick-off and throughout the match.
Supporters can also visit the Parkway Pop-Up Shop, where a range of official Plymouth Parkway merchandise will be available to purchase, including replica shirts, hats, scarves and other club merchandise.
Getting to Bolitho Park
By Road
Leave the A38 at the Manadon Junction. At the roundabout, take the turning onto St Peter’s Road. Continue for approximately one mile before turning right into the entrance to Bolitho Park.
Official Taxi Partner
Getting to Bolitho Park is even easier with Easy Cars Plymouth, the club’s Official Taxi Partner. Use code PPFC1 when booking through the Easy Cars app to receive 10% off your journey to the game.
Download the App for your smartphone.
Parking
Parking Information and Booking CLICK HERE
Round Our Way
If you’re visiting Bolitho Park for the first time or would like to learn more about the football club, watch the Round Our Way documentary series.
Season One: Round Our Way
Season Two: Round Our Way Again
Parkway Partners
