Over the last few years, football fans have become rather accustomed to watching games from the comfort of their own living room. Although the chance to absorb a full 90 minutes via a laptop screen cannot possibly compete with the thrill of soaking up the live matchday atmosphere, it has enabled supporters to follow the progress of their favourite clubs, no matter where they are.
Whilst the EFL’s iFollow was one of the trailblazers, a number of clubs have followed suit, and each provide their own platform. Teams in the top four tiers have found it relatively straightforward to get their digital content services off the ground, and have been able to employ a team of experts to oversee the operation. However, non-league sides have found the process far more complex. Despite this, a number of semi-professional teams have utilised volunteers and local businesses, and have worked around the clock to provide high-quality match-day broadcasts on a regular basis.
Ossett United are the latest non-league side to launch their own dedicated live streaming service, with Sheepicorns fans now able to follow Wayne Benn’s side throughout the remainder of the season. A number of their recent behind-closed-doors friendlies have already been broadcast, with the Ossett United Radio Team providing minute-by-minute commentary on every single game. Although the majority of contests have been available in audio form since 2018, this is seen as a significant step forward for the club, and despite their poor league form, it is likely to be extremely popular with fans.
Benn’s side lost six of their first eight games in the Northern Premier League Division One North West, and fans have been keen to follow the progress of their side in their battle against the drop. Non-league sides in the higher echelons such as Darlington and Altrincham have also explored this market but very few step-four outfits have opted to take the plunge.
Clubs at this level don’t often have the capabilities to provide high quality and reliable streams, however, Ossett United have proven to be the exception and, although it’s still extremely early days, their efforts have been generally praised by supporters.
Non-league sides who reached the first round of FA Cup often have their matches streamed on the BBC, whilst some online betting sites also offer live coverage of selected games. The latter also stream hundreds of live games from around the globe, and it is completely free to sign up for an account. There are a plethora of online comparison sites which provide details on sign-up offers as well as live-streaming options, and these should always be consulted before deciding which sportsbook to join. These kinds of sites have become incredibly popular over the last few years, and give users the chance to compare and contrast a variety of entities including home insurance, mobile phone contracts as well as the best online casino sites and their welcome bonuses.
With new signings such as Jack Normanton having joined the club, fans are hoping that results will begin to pick up in 2021. The former Thackley man is looking to test himself at the higher level, and thanks to the live streaming service, all fans can now follow his progress at Ingfield throughout the second half of the campaign.
Live streaming has become increasingly prevalent in the modern game, and Ossett United have become the latest non-league side to give their supporters the chance to enjoy the match-day experience from the comfort of their own home. Although it will never replace the warmth of a half-time bovril, and it is unlikely to match the thrill of witnessing a last-minute winner in the flesh, it is undoubtedly a great way to follow the Sheepicorns, wherever you are.