Plymouth Parkway secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Horsham in their FA Cup tie at Bolitho Park on October 3, 2026, booking their place in the next round thanks to a late winner. In a match that swung back and forth, Parkway’s ability to find a decisive goal in the closing stages proved the difference between the two sides.

Match overview

Plymouth Parkway began the game on the front foot, pressing Horsham high and forcing early mistakes. The home crowd sensed an opportunity, and Parkway’s attacking intent was rewarded midway through the first half. Horsham, however, are an experienced cup side and gradually played their way back into the contest, equalising early in the second half to set up a tense finale.

The game became a tactical battle after the break. Horsham enjoyed more possession, but Parkway’s defensive shape held firm, and their set-piece delivery remained a constant threat. In the end, it was a corner that produced the winning goal, sending the home supporters into raptures.

Key moments

• 18th minute – Parkway take the lead: Ryan Lane tapped in from close range after Jake Miller’s low cross caused confusion in the Horsham defence.
• 52nd minute – Horsham equalise: Charlie Harris struck a precise free-kick into the bottom corner, giving the Parkway goalkeeper no chance.
• 78th minute – Parkway win it: Sam Cooper rose highest from a corner and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
• 90+2 minute – Horsham denied: A goal-bound effort was kept out by a fine save from Parkway goalkeeper Ben Seymour, preserving the lead.

Tactical story

Parkway set up with wing-backs pushed high, looking to stretch Horsham’s back line and deliver early crosses. That approach worked well in the first half, especially down the right, where Jake Miller repeatedly found space. Horsham responded by tightening their midfield and switching to a more compact shape, which allowed them to control possession after the interval.

However, Parkway’s manager made a crucial change of his own, introducing fresh legs in central midfield and shifting to a more direct style. The winning goal came from a set-piece, an area Parkway had clearly targeted. Horsham will be disappointed with their defending for both goals, but they contributed to an entertaining cup tie.

Standout players

Sam Cooper was the match-winner for Plymouth Parkway, his towering header proving decisive. Ryan Lane was also impressive, taking his goal well and linking play intelligently. Ben Seymour’s late save was just as important as the winning goal, and he commanded his area well throughout.

For Horsham, Charlie Harris was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant free-kick and dictating play in midfield. His ability to find pockets of space kept Horsham in the game, but his side could not find a second equaliser.

What the result means

The win sends Plymouth Parkway into the next round of the FA Cup, where they will discover their opponents in the upcoming draw. For Horsham, it is a painful exit, especially after fighting back to level the score. Parkway’s cup run continues, and their blend of organisation and set-piece threat makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the next stage.