Parkway's FA Cup first round game against Berkhamsted at Bolitho Park on Monday night will be televised live on TNT Sports

Plymouth Parkway’s historic FA Cup first round tie on Monday night will give a group of Marjon University’s BA Sports Journalism students their biggest-ever assignment.

Parkway’s home match against Berkhamsted (7.30pm) is to be shown live on TNT Sports, so it’s a huge night for the club, but also a massive challenge behind the scenes for the Marjon media team.

The students have been providing the Yellows’ matchday content since the start of the season, from filming the games, to commentary, social media content and written match reports.

The FA Cup tie, which will be watched by a sell-out crowd at Bolitho Park as well as the TV audience, gives the aspiring journalists the chance to show off their skills to a wider audience.

Second year student Daniel O’Flaherty has been the lead commentator for the highlights shown on the Parkway TV YouTube channel. His voice was heard on BBC Spotlight when describing the action from the victory over Chertsey Town that secured the Devon club’s place in the first round proper.

He said: “It’s a good experience for big games I will hopefully cover going forward, so I’m really looking forward to it. If there are any big moments my voice is out there, which is great. But I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground.”

O’Flaherty’s co-commentator is Connor Thomas. “Being in such a position with Parkway, is a monumental thing for me and everyone involved,” he said. “It’s brilliant to have this opportunity and hopefully we get some great moments to show our passion for Parkway this season.”

Parkway marketing director, and Marjon Sports Journalism graduate, Mike Parrish, has played an important role in the partnership between the club and university, and he has been delighted at how the partnership has worked so far.

He said: “The sports journalism students have brought new energy to the team here at Parkway. From commentary and filming the games to writing articles for the website, the students feel like a new signing for the club.

“As a former Marjon student myself, I appreciate the challenge they will face on Monday, as Parkway play the biggest match in the club’s history. With TNT showing the game, I’m sure the aspiring writers and broadcasters from Marjon are eagerly anticipating what might transpire on Monday night. “

Kian Williams is one such aspiring writer, with his match reports being published on the Parkway website as well as The Herald. “It’s the biggest opportunity I’ve had so far,” he said. “This occasion will generate more views for my work, and hopefully it can make a few newspapers and websites.”

And if all goes well at Bolitho Park, an even more important game could be on the horizon for both the students and Parkway. If they can overcome the side currently sitting eight places below them in the Southern League Premier South table, their next FA Cup opponents could well be an EFL side, potentially their near-neighbours, Plymouth Argyle.