PARKWAY CONTINUE TO INSPIRE
PLYMOUTH Parkway once again overcame higher-league opposition in this years FA Trophy with a gritty performance to prevail against Hampton & Richmond Borough, of the National League South, some two levels higher.
The jubilant scenes on the pitch at the final whistle proved just how much this meant to the home side as Jack Crago’s goal on the hour was enough to seal the victory and send Parkway into the hat for tomorrow’s third round draw in their first ever competing.
Proud Parkway manager Lee Hobbs said: “I’m really pleased and couldn’t be any prouder of my group of players.
“They should relish and enjoy the moment; they deserve it.”
The game started in cagey fashion from both teams who spent the opening minutes feeling each other out with neither team creating too many clear cut chances.
The first goalkeeper to be called into action was Parkway’s Kyle Moore who had to parry a strong effort away with the rebounded effort
prodded home by Jake Gray only for him to see it ruled out for offiside.
Moore was called into action shortly after as Gray again forced a strong save. This fired the home side into life as they looked to push forward and get a foothold in the game.
The home side nearly got their rewards on 30 minutes as Callum Rose’s looping header from a corner brushed the top of the bar.
A few minutes later, the impressive and hardworking Crago flashed a volley just wide of the post and then found himself in a glorious position just before the break only for him to drag his effort wide.
Parkway finished the half stronger and could count themselves unlucky not to be ahead at the break.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first with neither side willing to take too many risks, but the deadlock was broken on the hour as Moore in the Parkway goal boomed a ball down the middle which evaded the defence which saw Crago rise highest against Alan Julian in The Borough goal to nod home what proved to be the pivotal goal.
The final 30 minutes saw Hampton & Richmond Borbeing ough lay siege to the Parkway goal in search of an equaliser but the home side stood firm with bodies on the line defensive work and doing enough to manage the game see the result out.
It was always going to be a tight and evenly contested tie but it was Parkway that took advantage of the home atmosphere and managed to break down The Beaver’s defensive dam.
All eyes at Bolitho Park will now be on be on tomorrow’s draw as they look to continue their impressive Trophy run.
STAR MAN: Jack Crago (Plymouth P’way)
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★