Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast

Keelan Leeper pops in to give us an insight into what has went wrong for his Ports this season. With their first victory under their belts, in a turnaround on the horizon.

Elsewhere Glentoran and Ballymena are building momentum, but will it be short lived? And what do Cliftonville need to do to get out of their current funk?

Former Sports Editor of the Ballymena Times Stephen Alexander joins the pod to recap all the latest in the Irish League.

Linfield win out in the battle of the big two, handing Coleraine their first loss of the season, at home to boot.

Crusaders continue to show their bright start to the season is no fluke by coming back against Bangor and Glentoran are still on the look out for a new manager.

It has been a tough season for a couple of Irish League sides so far, but nobody more than Portadown. They came into a fresh campaign led by new manager David Jeffery, with a boatload of fresh faces through the door. But all it has left them is bottom of the table with a solitary point to their name.

Is this just a horrible start to a season for a team in transition, or are Portadown the most likely team to be playing Championship football next season?

Dave Watt joins the podcast to reflect on two Premiership gameweeks and gives us an extended insight into everything going on in the Irish League’s second tier

Its all change in East Belfast once again as Declan Devine steps down as Glentoran boss. What didn't go to plan under his tenure, and who is in the frame to fill the hot seat?

Matthew Brown gives his instant reaction.

Plus football writer Lewis Bennett returns to the pod to give his latest take on all the happenings within the Irish League.

Football writer Johnny McNabb joins the pod to look back on all the latest action from the weekend.

A thumping 4-1 victory over Crusaders, goals flying in and the new signings already looking the part, the Bannsiders are top of the table and looking like the team to beat.

Larne bounced back from their European heartbreak with a win over Glentoran. At the other end, Portadown and Limavady remain pointless, while Bangor produced a second-half comeback to secure their first point against Ballymena.

Larne’s European dream has gone up in smoke. The Invermen looked set to keep their European adventure alive, only for Lincoln Red Imps to strike late and send them crashing out in absolutely brutal fashion.

And just when you thought the drama was over, Transfer Deadline Day delivered! Conor McMenamin swaps the North Coast for Glentoran, while Adam Brooks heads to Coleraine in two of the biggest moves of the window.

Crusaders, Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts all picked up big wins too as the Premiership continues to throw up plenty of twists.

Podcaster Stewart Cherry joins the pod to pick through all the chaos.

The Reds are the latest side to take the plunge and agree to a big time take over. The Toronto Investment Group finally got the blessing of club members and are now poised to invest some serious capital into the North Belfast club. Will it see Cliftonville return to the summit of Irish League football?

Writer and journalist Barry Flynn joins the pod to share his view and recap all the latest happenings across the league.

Mark McGuiggan recaps a busy weekend in the Irish League as Linfield grab the headlines with victory over a lackluster Glentoran in the derby.

Larne and Coleraine couldn't be separated in what could be a key title clash. Plus Cliftonville and Carrick are the only teams left with 100% records after two gameweeks.

The NIFL Premiership has returned and former Irish League player and Manager Matthew Tipton joins the podcast to recap it all.

Also, what ramifications does Larne's European adventures have on the Irish League moving forward? What almost derailed the start of the league last week? And NIFL have a new TV deal and subscription offering to discuss.

The podcast is back for its fifth season. Bigger and better than ever, with our longest ever episode!

Over two hours of pure Irish League chat.

Your ultimate guide to the upcoming season of top-flight Irish League football. Every club’s prospects for the campaign ahead put under the microscope. Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI join the pod to share their predictions, including where they think every team will finish.

All that and more, right here on your latest weekly edition of Kicking Match.