Parkway remain deep in trouble as Merthyr show no mercy at Bolitho

PLYMOUTH Parkway were unable to build on their midweek win over Wimborne Town as high-flying Merthyr Town ran out 4-2 winners in the Southern League Premier Division.

- IAN KENDALL

Parkway were buoyed by that victory on Tuesday, but knew they were in for a tough test from Merthyr who not only had the joint best defence in the league prior to this match, but also clearly the best attack. This attack was greatly aided by Ricardo Rees who was top league goal-scorer last season with 36 and also led the charts this season with 14.

Parkway shown one change from Tuesday with James Watts-Barciela starting in place of Joe Wragg who dropped to the bench. Callum Hall returned from suspension and was added to the bench. Dylan Jones was still unavailable but was expected back in the squad next week.

It took just five minutes for Parkway's defence to be breeched as, following an initial blocked shot from Keiran Evans, Rees reacted quickest and slotted the ball home in the right-hand corner of the net for his 15th goal of the season.

Parkway regrouped and came back strongly, creating some good chances, but not taking them, while Merthyr always looked dangerous on the counter-attack.