ISUZU FA TROPHY | PARKWAY TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS

Joy for James Watts-Barciela as we look at the second round draw for our member clubs

October has been a good month for Plymouth Parkway. Five games in all competitions unbeaten, including Saturday’s dramatic 7-6 penalty shoot-out triumph over Poole Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy first round.

On target at the weekend was James Watts-Barciela, the man they call the Matador, who has taken the bull by the horns to get the Devon club moving in the right direction.

“I actually thought that on Saturday I had one of my quieter games,” he admitted to us. “But I was in the right place at the right time to get my name on the scoresheet.

“The lads were brilliant, especially considering that we were without a couple of senior lads. We adjusted a few things at half-time and really stepped up as a team to make it through against opponents who have started really well this season.

“It would be great to have a good run in the FA Trophy. The second round draw has given us a home tie, which is always appreciated, and although we are up against a Salisbury outfit from the level above, they have been struggling for form this season, so who knows? Anything can happen in cup football, it’s all about who wants it more on the day.

“I’ve been pleased with my own form this season. I’ve had some good performances and now I am working hard to add more goals to my game.

“As a team, we’ve really picked things up over the course of the month just gone. We stuck together when things were difficult and we’ve seen a big upturn over recent weeks, which we will be looking to continue into the month ahead and beyond.

“The Pitching In Southern League Premier South is tough; always has been, always will be. There is so much talent involved in this League; it’s physical, high quality football.

“As a team we’re taking it one game at a time. It would be nice to make further progress in the FA Trophy as keep climbing up the table. If I can continue contributing goals and assists, I will be happy. Let’s see where it takes us!”

Watts-Barciela joined Plymouth Parkway ahead of last season and is pleased with the progress that he has made.

“This is the third year that I have been playing senior men’s football,” he said. “Since joining Parkway in the summer of 2024, I have noticed big improvements in my game. There has been real development and learning in a relatively short space of time.

“I had a short loan spell at Willand Rovers, which also helped massively too and I see this season and one where I can really prove myself and lay down some solid foundations from which to build.”

The draw for the second round of the Isuzu FA Trophy took place at lunchtime on Monday.

For our member clubs, Hanwell Town face a tough trip to Merthyr Town, who have adapted well to life in The National League North following promotion from our Premier South at the end of last term.

Also on the road are Gloucester City as they head to Slough Town, whilst AFC Sudbury have a home tie against Hereford to look forward to. Bishop’s Stortford host Cheshunt, whilst there’s an all Premier Central encounter at Alvechurch as they welcome Real Bedford.

Home advantage is with Harborough Town as they take on Enfield Town and Walton & Hersham who host Farnborough in what are sure to be two entertaining ties. Farnham Town travel to Harsham, whilst the winner of Basingstoke Town and Dorchester Town go to Dover Athletic.

There’s home advantage for Wimborne Town against Chatham Town, whilst Bracknell Town make the trip to Bath City.

Ties will take place on the weekend of November 15th. We will all of our member clubs the very best of luck as they continue to proud fly the Southern League flag.

IMAGE: Plymouth Parkway FC

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