Neal penalties fire Plymouth Parkway into FA Cup second round
History for Plymouth Parkway with FA Cup victory
Plymouth Parkway made history by reaching the FA Cup second round for the first time after coming from behind to beat Berkhamsted 2-1 following extra time at Bolitho Park.
Two penalties from former Truro City striker Andrew Neal secured a memorable victory for the Southern League Premier Division South side, who will now welcome League Two promotion contenders Barnet during the first weekend of December.
Parkway had to recover after Luke Andrews put Berkhamsted ahead just 98 seconds into the second half. The forward calmly finished across goal and inside the far post after being played through by JJ Lacey.
The visitors had threatened earlier, with Ryan Brett clearing Jeanmal Prosper's header off the line from a fourth-minute corner. Parkway responded through Reece Thomson, who curled narrowly over after a promising passing move involving Neal and Rio Garside.
Chances were limited in a tight first half, with Berkhamsted's Max Rosner going closest with a header before the break.
Parkway increased the pressure after falling behind, with Thomson striking the post and Calum Hall seeing an effort deflected over.
The hosts eventually equalised in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk was penalised for a challenge on Neal while attempting to deal with a loose ball. Despite protests from the visitors, Neal confidently converted from the spot.
Thomson missed two opportunities to win the tie in stoppage time, sending the contest into extra time.
Parkway gradually took control, and Ed Palmer came close when his volley from a corner narrowly cleared the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived after 102 minutes when Mikey Williams broke into the penalty area and had his shirt pulled by substitute Godlove Oppong.
Neal stepped up again, this time curling his penalty into the right-hand corner to spark celebrations among the home supporters.
Berkhamsted pushed for a late equaliser, but Rosner fired narrowly wide with five minutes remaining as Parkway held on to secure a historic FA Cup triumph.