Rocky's wonder strike seals Parkway's first away win
Evesham United v Parkway | Match ReportBy Mike Parrish
Plymouth Parkway picked up their first away win of the season with a 3–1 victory over Evesham United, with Rocky Neal producing a moment of pure inspiration to settle a contest in which Karl Curtis’ side were far from their fluent best.
Joel Sullivan opened the scoring before Neal doubled Parkway’s advantage shortly after half time, only for Evesham captain Amer Awadh to halve the deficit and give the hosts hope.
But with the game finely poised, Neal produced the moment of the afternoon, lobbing the Evesham goalkeeper from around 40 yards to claim his sixth goal in five games and secure three points for Parkway.
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The visitors were forced into one change from last weekend’s victory over Havant & Waterlooville, with Will Sullivan replacing Jensen Ireland at full-back. Ed Harrison continued in the back three with Taylor Scarff unavailable, while on-loan goalkeeper Leo McCormick travelled with the squad but was not included in the matchday squad.
Evesham were looking to respond after a 4–1 defeat at Hanworth Villa the previous weekend, although their home form had already provided plenty of reason for Parkway to remain wary following a 3–0 victory over Chichester City.
The Robins started with purpose and, as Curtis would acknowledge afterwards, Parkway were slow out of the blocks. The opening 15 minutes passed without a chance of note, but the hosts soon threatened as Aaron Dearing was called upon to produce another important intervention.
The Parkway goalkeeper, so impressive against Havant the previous weekend, was at it again with a fine double save, first denying Sopuru Obieri before instinctively keeping out Brandon Liggett’s follow-up.
With more than 300 inside the Spiers & Hartwell Stadium, Parkway gradually began to find their rhythm. Captain Rio Garside went close when he found himself free inside the area and met a Joel Sullivan delivery, but his diving header skidded wide of the far post.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute. Garside delivered a free kick towards the back post, where Reece Thomson produced a clever header back across goal. Joel Sullivan was alert to the opportunity and finished from close range to register his second goal of the season and put Parkway ahead.
The goal brought greater control to the visitors, with Mikey Williams adopting a more traditional centre-back role while Thomson continued to impress with his work rate and all-round contribution. Despite not yet finding the net himself this season, Thomson’s willingness to run, compete and link the play continued to provide a platform for Parkway’s attacking threat.
Callum Hall had the final chance of the half and, in hindsight, offered a glimpse of what was to come. Picking the ball up around 30 yards from goal, Hall spotted Oscar Varney off his line and attempted to beat the on-loan Coventry City goalkeeper from distance. The effort had enough on it to beat Varney, but drifted narrowly wide.
Evesham continued to threaten without creating another clear opening, while Dearing’s earlier double save proved crucial as Parkway went into the interval with their advantage intact.
Curtis’ side emerged for the second half with greater purpose, pressing higher and hunting in packs as the intelligent press that has been a feature of their opening weeks began to click.
Within six minutes of the restart, Parkway doubled their advantage. Toby Down began the move with an excellent ball towards Will Sullivan, who sized up his man before working around him and delivering a fine cross towards the back post. Rocky Neal was waiting. The number nine rose to head home and put Parkway 2–0 ahead.
But Evesham refused to fold. Josh McConnell and Awadh continued to work hard in midfield and the hosts remained firmly in the contest. They found a route back into the game around the hour mark after a well-worked free kick.
Obieri’s initial effort was saved well by Dearing, but the goalkeeper could do nothing as Awadh arrived at the back post to guide the rebound into the net and halve the deficit.
Suddenly the game was alive again. Evesham substitute Liam Hutt began to find space down the right and caused Parkway problems, with his delivery producing one of the hosts’ best opportunities to level. Hutt’s cross picked out substitute MacKenzie Jake Stretton, but his header sailed over the bar.
Parkway were being tested, but they continued to look dangerous when they could break forward. And then came the moment that changed the afternoon. A loose ball dropped kindly for Rocky and, without hesitation, the striker produced a spectacular lob from around 40 yards.
Varney was stranded. The ball sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net, sending Neal wheeling away in celebration as Parkway restored their two-goal cushion. It was a remarkable finish and took Neal’s tally to six goals in five games.
With the game now beyond Evesham, Curtis was able to make a number of changes with Monday’s quick turnaround against Poole Town already in mind. Parkway managed the closing stages professionally to secure their first away victory of the season.
It was not Parkway at their best, but they had found another way to win. The opening-day demolition of Bracknell showed what Curtis’ side can do when everything clicks. The trip to Bath demonstrated their resilience, Havant showed their ability to manage a game, and Evesham demanded something different again.
This time, Parkway had to work. They had to absorb pressure, rely on Dearing when required and wait for their opportunities before Neal’s moment of brilliance finally put the result beyond doubt.
The victory moves Parkway into second with 10 points from their opening five games, their best return at this stage since promotion to the Southern League Premier South.
Attention now turns towards Bolitho Park, with Poole Town arriving on Bank Holiday Monday for the second half of a demanding weekend.
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