Shot of the Season 21-22: Jim Purtill

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. Jim Purtill focuses on Witham Town’s escape from the drop.

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

This captures a significant moment in a very dramatic match- Romford v Witham on 23rd April.

• Why is it important to you?
Romford were 2-1 up when Witham goalkeeper Rhys Madden kept Witham in the game with a remarkable late save. Witham subsequently scored twice in added time to avoid automatic relegation and then won the Inter-League play-off match.

• Where can we find the rest of your work?

My work can be found on Twitter- here.

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

I took my camera to a match one day and it just became a habit. I was just a fan with a camera, but as nobody else at Witham was taking photographs, it helped the club. It was probably about 10 years ago although I don't remember exactly when. Everything before that it just a blur. A lot of it still is.

• What are your hopes for the forthcoming season?
It would be good to see Witham finish in a more comfortable league position. Despite my very youthful appearance, I am not a young man anymore and I would like to enjoy a calmer football spectator experience!
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

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.