Parkway are taking nothing for granted
WITH a three-point lead and a vastly superior goal difference, the Southern League Division one South title looks in the bag already for Plymouth Parkway. But manager Lee Hobbs is taking nothing for granted.
A sensational end to the season – Parkway have won 15 of their last 17 games – has seen them rise to the top of the table and lead Frome Town by three points.
Goals have not been in short supply either with Hobbs’ men eight better off than Frome and with struggling Cirencester Town their opponents tomorrow, they are well set to make it back-to-back league titles after being crowned Western league Premier Division champions 12 months ago.
“We haven’t won anything yet and as all football people are, you always have to be cautious. Football has a nasty habit of throwing up unwanted surprises,” Hobbs said.
“For us, we have to maintain the standards we’ve been setting and continue with the form that we’ve been delivering and go and get another win on the board.
“We will have an eye on what is happening with Frome (who are away to Lymington Town) because it would be unprofessional of us if we didn’t. But we want to win this game.
“We don’t want to win the league on goal difference, we want to win it by three points and that is exactly what we will be looking to do on Saturday.
“There is a big prize collectively and for individuals. Defenders want clean sheets, midfielders, wingers and strikers want to add to their goal and assists tally for the season, so there is pride and stats at stake as well, so we won’t approach it any different.
“We want to send the paying supporter’s home happy with what they see.”
Parkway are setting the bar high in terms of trying to smash the 1,000 attendance mark and to encourage people to Bolitho Park, they have reduced admission prices to £5 across the board with Under 11s admitted for free.
“We are doing everything we can as a football club to get more bums on seats and for us to break that 1,000 barrier would be amazing for us,” Hobbs said. “It will be no more than what everyone deserves.
“Obviously we are making it a real carnival atmosphere on the day, there is lots going on, Argyle are away, so we are hopeful we can get that number in and they watch us lift the trophy at the end of the game.”
The only downside from Monday’s trip to Barnstaple were injuries to striker Adam Carter and midfielder Matt Andrew, who rolled ankles on the bobbly surface in north Devon. Hobbs is hopeful both will return, while striker Tom Bath will be at Bolitho Park to join in the celebrations – if Parkway are crowned champions, of course, because - as Hobbs says - nothing can be taken for granted!
“His operation was a success and he has a cast now and is in recovery for three months and then he starts his proper rehab, but everyone was gutted for Bathy,” Hobbs said.
“He’s been at every game and if we can get him in a kit to join in the celebrations, we will look to do that – if we win the league, of course!”
Bideford secured their Division One status with a 2-1 win at Willand Rovers on Saturday and they bring the curtain down on their campaign at home to relegated Mangotsfield United.
The Mangoes will be heading south with Barnstaple Town, who finish their campaign at Sholing, while Willand Rovers end the season at Highworth Town.
There is nothing but pride for teams in the Premier Division to play for with Truro City boss Paul Wotton demanding an improved showing from his side at Beaconsfield Town, while Tiverton Town visit Swindon Supermarine.