Shot of the Season: Kev Lamb

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

This was taken on the Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2023 at the Isthmian Premier League Play-Off final between Hornchurch and Aveley

Why is it important to you?

Having seen Aveley promoted from the Isthmian North to the Premier at the end of the 21/22 season and then to pick up the Velocity Trophy in the 22/23 season, I though it couldn’t get any better than that, then to go on to do a double promotion to the National League was just amazing.

The image portrays the players emotional release after a battle against a tough Hornchurch side especially after the long and hard won play-off semi-final the previous Wednesday against Canvey Island. The team have proved wrong the doubters who, at the beginning of the season, had them as odds on for relegation.

Where can we find the rest of your work?

My work can be seen on social media:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

It can also be found on my website.

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

I started off doing wildlife photography before moving into the sports arena, I covered motocross in the first instance until my local club folded, I then did Ice Hockey for a couple of seasons with the Romford Raiders. I was then contacted by the Kitman at Aveley who I had known for several years and asked if I would like to cover a few matches for them- and the rest, as they say, is history. I still do cover motorsport and can be seen around Brands Hatch most Sundays.

What are your hopes for the forthcoming season?

Whilst I wont be covering the Isthmian League next season, unless someone has a game and I am available, I just hope Aveley do well in the National League South and can hold their own, dare I dream of a triple promotion?!

If you're a photographer who would like to send in their shot of the season, please answer the questions above and email to Ian on townsendaround@gmail.com

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