Shot of the Season 21-22: James Boyes

We’ve had a magnificent Pitching In Isthmian season, one which has been illustrated and enriched by the work of a number of brilliant photographers, who have recorded it for posterity. James works at the Dripping Pan, which is so named because it never stops raining.

• When was the image taken (match, event, etc)?

Lewes 3 v Folkestone Invicta 0 – Pitching In Isthmian Premier League – 20th Nov 2021

• Why is it important to you?

Everyone loves a celebration shot don’t they, and there’s nowhere better than in front of packed Philcox Stand at the Dripping Pan! This one's got more supporters than players in it too, including a couple of gentlemen who should know better!

The game itself however was tinged with sadness. Lewes FC stalwart “Cynical” Dave McKay, a genuine terrace character known to supporters and players alike, had suddenly died only days before, and the match became a touching tribute to the Scot, with players wearing “Cynical” t-shirts during the minute’s applause before the game. But the game became even more special with the attitude of the players, most of whom were still reasonably new to the club but who nonetheless tried really hard to understand and respect the memory of Dave and what he had meant to the club. For the first time that season, it felt that there was a genuine, tangible link between the players and the fans and this really helped to kick start the rollercoaster campaign that unfortunately ran out of steam a couple of games early. But the packed stands and noisy support remained and brought about a love for the team I’d not really seen since the heady days of 2007/08 and the Conference National promotion season. And long may it continue.

• Where can we find the rest of your work?

On Flickr- here.

• How and why did you begin taking photographs at football matches?

It started through work really. A Lewes design agency had just redesigned the Lewes club badge and I needed some design work in my marketing job. They also designed the Lewes match programme and website and knew I’d just got interested in photography, and before I knew it they asked whether I wanted to take photos for the match programme. That was 2007 and the rest is history.

• What are your hopes for the forthcoming season?
No rain on match days, never cold enough to need gloves, an FA Cup run (for a change) and I always chose the right end that the goals are scored. Other than that, I hope Tony Russell and his boys finish off the job they started this season (and our women’s team challenge for honours in the FA Women’s Championship too.)

If you regularly take photographs at our matches but haven't yet submitted yours, there's still time. Send it to Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com

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