Parkway can't pull it back against Totton

JONES' STRIKE IS NOT ENOUGH WITH DAMAGE DONE FIRST HALF

- IAN KENDALL

Parkway gave themselves too much to do against title favourites AFC Totton as a rousing second half display could not make up for being two goals down at the break in Tuesday’s Southern League Premier Division clash at Bolitho Park.

It is now ten league games without a win for Parkway, who remain second from bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety. Only Marlow, the division’s only other winless team, are below them in the standings.

Parkway have generally struggled against Totton having lost four of the five previous encounters, with their one win coming in the title winning 2021-2022 season. With Totton making a statement by signing Charlie Austin, who was still playing league football for Swindon Town earlier this year, another tough encounter was anticipated. Indeed, Austin was the clubs early season top scorer with six goals, but it was fellow striker Tony Lee that had his team 2-0 up at the interval.

Dylan Jones pulled one back early in the second half, but despite playing well and dominating the second half, they could not muster an equalising goal as Totton moved up to second in the table.

Parkway shown three changes from their FA Cup encounter against Worthing with Shane White returning as captain and replacing the injured Ryan Brett. Two new signings - Frankie Monk and Jack Endacott - replaced Matt Wright and Joe Wragg who both picked up knocks on Saturday.

Straight from the whistle Totton went on the attack and a break down the left flank saw winger Ashley Clarke forge his way into the box before being brought down. A strong appeal for a penalty was turned down, but Parkway’s relief was shortlived.

Immediately forcing a corner on the right, the cross was met unchallenged for a free header by Lee, who put the visitors ahead after just 70 seconds. A very soft goal to concede from Parkway’s perspective.