Fixture: Halifax Town 1 - 1 Oxford City
League: National League
Date: Saturday 19th August 2023
This was my first long away trip of the season and it ended up being one of my favourite games so far.
Halifax was a 3-hour journey from Oxford so I set off at 9am and took a fairly comfortable drive up. So comfortable in fact that, despite 2 pitstops, I still arrived just before 1pm and a little earlier than I perhaps needed to!
That said, arriving early meant I could take time to find my bearings and make sure all the pre-game photography was super-relaxed, a stark contrast to my late arrival at Aldershot on the opening day!
As you’ll see from my photos, I was able to capture some nice pre-game shots of the impressive “The Shay” stadium and it ended up being an enthralling game. City arrived still looking for their first points of the season and this looked like a super tough game, despite the impressive performance at Chesterfield just a few games earlier.
The hosts started brightly and took the lead midway through the first half. Halifax looked strong and could probably have been further ahead at the break. The second half was a complete contrast and Oxford City dominated. They grabbed a deserved equaliser and in truth could have gone on to win the game. That said, a first point was important and would set the scene for an unbeaten run in the games to come…
Photography Learning/Musings…
Not too much, other than what a difference it makes to arrive in plenty of time and be able to enjoy the afternoon’s photography in a relaxed manner. Note to self for the rest of the season, get there as early as possible (when circumstance allows!).
As always, and most interestingly I’m sure, here are a collection of my favourite images from the day.
The Shay, a great “proper” stadium. I’d last visited in August 2021 to watch Oxford Utd!
Pre-Match chat. a personal “fav” from the day. I used the dugout to partially bloke the rest of the stand and I like the way it turned out.
Oxford City fan Mark & his daughter. He followed me the day before and came and introduced himself before the game (which was nice). I then captured this picture of them both before kick-off.
A young Halifax Town fan places his scarf on the terrace prior to kick-off.
The Oxford City bench look on, whilst the Halifax Town manager takes a sip of his beverage in the background. I wish I could remember what’s happening here as it appears something interesting is happening but the Halifax bench seem unfazed by it!
Oxford City defender Canice Carroll with a diving header…
…which the keeper clawed off the line and here City striker Josh Parker appeals (which was correctly waved away).
The Halifax fans looking a little “glum” during the first half of the game (presumably before they’d taken the lead!).
I always like to try and get a wider view of the game unfolding and this was such an image. Taken at 70mm during the second half you can get a feel for the stadium & conditions. Interestingly I think that un-finished structure in the corner was there when I last visited in 2001.
A thoroughly enjoyable day and game which made the return journey much easier to deal with. You can see the full album on my Flickr page here.
Thanks for reading.