Rocky Neal’s pair of penalties sent Plymouth Parkway into the Emirates FA Cup second round for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win over Berkhamsted.
Neal twice stepped up to convert from 12 yards and send the hosts through to face League Two Barnet in the next round, as Parkway came from behind to claim victory over their fellow seventh-tier side.
Berkhamsted deservedly took the lead through Luke Andrews early in the second half but were pegged back by Neal’s first spot kick 20 minutes from time.
The striker converted again in extra time to send the home crowd wild and create history for the club, who will host Barnet for a place in the third round.
Both sides were competing in the first round for the first time in their respective histories and the seventh-tier duo played out an exciting encounter in front of a sold-out crowd at Bolitho Park in Plymouth.
Plymouth Parkway lead at Bolitho Park! Rocky Neal tucks home from the spot to put @PlymouthPFC 2-1 up… 🤝 📺 @footballontnt, @hbomax https://t.co/EbX0xRR5EK
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) November 9, 2026
Berkhamsted started the brighter but the first real chance of the evening went the way of the hosts after some incisive build-up with just over 15 minutes played.
Neal played a lovely flick inside to find Rio Garside and he released Reece Thompson in the box, but his curled effort was wide of the target.
That helped to open the game up after an understandably cagey start at Bolitho Park, and Jensen Ireland was forced into some evasive action to cut out a dangerous through ball into the Parkway box as Jeffrey Sekyere lurked.
Both sides struggled to find a clear sight of goal but Berkhamsted looked the more likely as the first half drew to a close, with defender Max Rosner dragging his effort narrowly wide after charging to the edge of the box.
The Comrades flew out of the blocks after the break and were in front just two minutes after the restart.
JJ Lacey dropped deep and found space before turning and releasing Andrews, who produced an excellent finish low into the bottom corner.
The away side lead just moments into the second-half! 👀 Luke Andrews with a fine finish off the post to put @BerkoFC ahead at Plymouth Parkway 💫 📺 @footballontnt, @hbomax https://t.co/Xf6DAxfeev
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) November 9, 2026
Parkway almost responded immediately after another flowing move found Thompson but the striker could only strike the post after a neat turn on the edge of the box.
The hosts dominated possession but struggled to carve out any chances against a stubborn Berkhamsted defence.
Instead it was the visitors who threatened again in the 70th minute, as Ryan Blake raced clear but his shot was wide of the target.
That proved decisive as Parkway were awarded a penalty a minute later when Hubert Graczyk was adjudged to have fouled Neal in the box as the pair challenged for a high ball.
Neal stepped up and slammed home the spot kick to level proceedings with just under 20 minutes remaining to set up an enthralling finish.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner and Thompson came closest to winning it for the hosts when he rose highest in added time but his header was wide of the target.
Extra-time was a scrappy affair until Parkway were awarded a second penalty, as Godlove Oppong was penalised for pulling Mikey Williams’ shirt.
Neal stepped up once again and slotted home what proved to be the winner on a pulsating evening of Emirates FA Cup action.
