Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast

Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion return to the pod to celebrate a century of episodes!

The Around the Grounds NI boys ponder if Ballymena's imperious form puts them in the box seat for a top seat spot.

With a win in his back pocket Stephen Baxter off to a great start as the new Carrick Rangers boss, but is he the right fit?

Linfield survive a late surge from the Crues, but is their squad already looking thin on experience from the bench?

All that plus a look ahead to this weekend's Irish League fixtures.

Ally McCalmont is the guest for a week full of headlines. Glentoran's second half surge earns them the bragging rights in the Irish League's most watched fixture. Glenavon were joyous victors over their rivals as they give the Ports a taste of their own late goal medicine.

We look back at Stuart King's time in charge of Carrick Rangers after he steps away from the post. Plus, Dungannon and Ballymena continue to fly high, how long can it continue?

Mark McGuiggan joins the pod was we talk about another high profile manager who did all but sign on the dotted line with a club in Scotland. Why are these managers turning down the opportunity and are they just biding their time for the right gig?

Elsewhere, Ballymena and Dugannon keep up their recent hot streaks, Carrick lose again to make it 8 defeats on the bounce and we look ahead to the first meeting of Linfield and Glentoran this season.

David Watt is this week's guest to reflect on a turbulent couple of results in the NIFL Premiership.

Shock results, upkeep of form and a multitude of team all scrambling for position.

It just felt like the right time to plant our feet and attempt to judge which teams are looking like the real deal, and whom have not been up to scratch. We like the call such an exercise the Quarter Season Catch Up.

Former Sports Editor of the Ballymena Times Stephen Alexander is this weeks guest to reflect on the first big battle between this season's title favourites. Lusty's unlikely drive the catalyst for Larne's winning goal. Are Blue's set to spiral or can they bounce back in a big way against Cliftonville?

Elsewhere, an inspired Ben Kennedy keep Ballymena winning and Ports beat out Dungannon to go unbeaten in four games.

Recaps and previews a plenty on this week's episode.

Veteran Irish League writer and reporter Barry Flynn shares his views on all the latest happenings throughout the league.

What's gotten into Larne as they fail to win for a second weekend in a row. Glens are outwitted by former manager Rodney McAree. And Niall Currie also gets one over on a employer as Portadown snatch and grab three points as Taylor's Avenue.

We take a look at how the Championship is shaping up and preview all the big games coming up.

Joel Neill joins the pod to reflect on the greatest week in the history of Larne FC. An Irish League team is playing the league/group phase of a modern European Club Competition for the first time. Incredible scenes at Inver Park after a tense encounter with Lincoln Red Imps ends in victory thanks to a hattrick from Andy Ryan.

We recap the entire European journey - so far - and look ahead to what's in store between not and Christmas in the competition.

There was also great Irish League action to respond to as Portadown frustrate Linfield with a last minute draw and a wonder goal from Jordan Jenkins keeps Glentoran's season ticking along.

Journalist Mark McIntosh shares his view on a whirlwind weekend for David Healy and Linfield fans, after the much publicised approach by Scottish side Raith Rovers to snag the Blues manager. But the five time Irish League winning boss recommitted his future to the Belfast club. How did we get here? And what does it mean long term for Healy's future at Windsor Park?

Plus, Larne only a win away from history, can they thwart Lincoln Red Imps at Inver Park and progress to the Conference League proper?

Add in a round up of the latest games plus some transfer news and that's a one spicy meatball of a podcast.

Damian Mullan, Sports Editor of the Coleraine Chronicle, features on the pod to discuss an intriguing week of Irish League developments.

Larne cruise into Conference League play off round, but can they get the job done against opposition from Gibraltar?

With a Lee Bonis shaped hole in their team will the Inver Reds secure a replacement within the league?

Plus, morale boosting wins for Coleraine and Glentoran, while Reds and Blues lead the way with 2 wins from 2.

Matthew Brown from the Shout at the Oval podcast to look back at the opening weekend of the NIFL Premiership season.

We discuss Larne's chances of following up on their winning exploits in Europe and finish the task at Inver. Reflect on the success of Lee Bonis' Irish League career and review his chances of breaking into the Northern Ireland squad after his latest move. Plus we react to suggestions of the Irish League's top flight moving to only 10 teams.