Shot of the Season 21-22: Neil Hunwicks

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. Neil Hunwicks- A Bridge Too Far- brings us his very favourite image of the season.

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

Hullbridge Sports v Felixstowe and Walton United, 14 September 2021

• Why is it important to you?

It was a very difficult night for a Non-League amateur photographer. The floodlights at some grounds are not the best, so you have to really work hard. Within minutes of the kick off the fog descended and that made a new issue to overcome. The shot was a lot of hard work, but it demonstrated the action, and I believe the difficult conditions.

• Where can we find the rest of your work?

Where can we find the rest of your work? - I’m know in local Non-League and grassroots as @ABridgeTooFar16 and I use the #supportlocal hashtag as I’m happy to help out where I can. I’m on Twitter and Instagram under @ABridgeTooFar16 and I also have a Flickr page.

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

I went to take some photographs of my son playing for an Essex Senior League club. When I came home, some of the other players messaged me and asked ‘if I got any of them?’ I would then have to hunt through to see what I had and send it out. It grew from there by the club offering me to run their media which included my photographs. I did this and absolutely loved it for 6 years.

• What are your hopes for the forthcoming season?

Well being very much an amateur, I don’t get a lot of opportunity for the really big games, although I continue to offer my services. A big game with a big crowd gives you so many more opportunities. If I had my time again, sports photography would be the dream and I would do it properly, but I would like to think now that people get some pleasure from what I do, and it’s all about making memories and supporting local, just sometimes at a bigger location / game.

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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