Parkway complete Frome double under the lights
Parkway v Frome Town | Match ReportPlymouth Parkway secured a second successive 2-0 victory over Frome Town in the space of four days, making it a perfect return to Bolitho Park under the lights.
Four days after defeating the Robins at Badgers Hill in the FA Cup, Karl Curtis’ side produced another disciplined performance to take all three points and move to the top of the Southern League Premier South.
 Plymouth ParkwayFrome Town 
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Curtis named an unchanged starting XI for the third consecutive game following Saturday’s victory, with dual-registered signing Henry Donovan included among the substitutes.
Both sides now knew considerably more about each other following the weekend’s cup tie, making Tuesday’s meeting a different proposition as Frome looked to respond to their defeat and continue their impressive return to the division.
Parkway, meanwhile, were looking to maintain their excellent run of form and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions.
The opening stages were lively, with the Yellows creating the early opportunities as Parkway looked to stretch the play through the wide channels and apply a patient high press.
Frome looked to break quickly when possession turned over, but Parkway soon found their way through.
After the first corner of the evening was awarded, Jensen Ireland stood over the ball on the left and delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard box, which was deflected into the back of the Frome net to give Parkway the lead.
The goal settled the hosts and Parkway continued to control the game, although the final pass proved elusive on occasions as Frome worked hard to withstand the pressure.
Ireland remained a constant threat, particularly down the right, while Parkway’s midfield three continued to dictate the tempo.
Frome did have an opportunity to respond when a dangerous cross found its way towards goal, but Toby Down was perfectly positioned to clear the ball off the line.
The visitors began to stretch Parkway’s defensive line during the closing stages of the half, but Aaron Dearing remained strong in goal.
The Parkway goalkeeper produced an excellent double save at his near post to preserve the advantage, ensuring the Yellows went into the interval with their lead intact.
Parkway had controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, but there was a reminder in those final stages that Frome remained capable of causing problems.
Frome got the second half underway, but Parkway quickly resumed control. The Yellows retained possession well, continued to create opportunities and restricted the visitors from establishing any sustained pressure.
Callum Hall had an early chance to extend the lead after being played through by Reece Thomson, but he was unable to get his shot away.
Curtis then turned to his bench, with Jack Matthews replacing Ireland as Parkway looked to maintain the intensity of the performance.
Dearing was called into action once again shortly afterwards, making another important save to keep Parkway’s advantage intact and reminding the hosts that the game was far from over.
Rocky Neal was then replaced by Henry Donovan as Curtis introduced fresh legs in the attacking areas. The Parkway manager made another double change with Ed Harrison and Hayden Turner introduced for Thomson and Rio Garside.
Turner made an immediate impact. Parkway worked the ball out towards the left, where Will Sullivan continued his excellent second-half performance and delivered a delightful cross towards the back post.
Turner was waiting. With his first touch of the game, he drilled the ball beyond the Frome goalkeeper to double Parkway’s advantage.
Frome now needed two goals to take anything from the game, while Parkway looked increasingly comfortable. Sullivan continued to cause problems down the left flank, while the defensive unit in front of Dearing remained composed and disciplined.
The centre-halves and Dearing commanded the backline well as Parkway protected their clean sheet and managed the closing stages professionally.
The final whistle confirmed back-to-back 2-0 victories over Frome in the space of four days. It also extended Parkway’s unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions and moved the Yellows to the top of the Southern League Premier South.
After the match, Karl Curtis praised the overall performance, highlighting the commitment shown throughout the evening.
“You couldn’t question the endeavour, the tenacity, the shape, just everything about the team tonight.”
The Parkway manager also highlighted the importance of another clean sheet, adding: “It was a fantastic clean sheet, and when you keep clean sheets you score goals.”
Parkway now turn their attention to the FA Trophy, with Bath City heading to Bolitho Park in the Third Qualifying Round this weekend.
The two sides shared the points in the league back in August, but Parkway will head into the tie with confidence high after another impressive performance under the lights.
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