Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast
A podcast covering every game, goal and incident that lights up the Irish League.
Presented by Peter Cinnamond.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Your ultimate guide for the upcoming season of top flight of 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.
TIMESTAMPS
Irish League in Europe Reaction - 00:02:20
Linfield - 00:17:02
Portadown - 00:29:35
Glentoran - 00:38:36
Dungannon Swifts - 00:45:10
Coleraine - 00:48:50
Cliftonville - 00:55:05
Carrick Rangers - 01:02:18
Ballymena United - 01:07:02
Larne - 01:13:37
Crusaders - 01:20:25
Glenavon - 01:28:28
Loughgall - 01:34:23
Weekend's Games Preview - 01:43:23
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Matthew Brown from the Shout At The Oval podcast is our guest to go through all the latest news in the world of Irish League.
From the long awaited European draws, concerns over a majority of top flight teams failing to break even, price for games hitting £15 and all the recent Irish league transfers.
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The men's Irish League season is in the books, therefore it's that time of year to look back at a campaign full of thrills, chills and drama. With a special look at Cliftonville's Irish Cup heroics, the European play off and the action in the Promotion/Relegation play off.
All in the company of guests Mark McGuiggan and Dave Watt.
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Preparing to play at a sold out Windsor Park, Cliftonville and Linfield go under the microscope ahead of a huge Irish Cup final. Can the Blues end their season on a high note? Or can the Reds turnover a multi-decade hoodoo in the competition.
Plus, we're looking at all flavours of Play Offs, from Europe to Promotion/Relegation
Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around The Grounds NI are this week's guests.
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The Inver Reds have done it! (almost) Bar the greatest one game goal difference swing in football history, the Gibson Cup will stay on the Antrim coast.
How have the done it? What will Kenny Bruce and Co do next? And what should Linfield learn from this tight title chase?
Plus, the Ports return to the Premiership at the first time of asking, Declan Devine is confirmed as Glentoran's full time boss and we recap the NI Football Awards. All in the company of Belfast Telegraph Sports reporter Stuart McKinley.
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A 30 seconds of Irish League football which no fan will ever forget, Title Tuesday (working title) will go down in footballing folklore when goals deep into injury time across two games flipped the power balance in the championship chase.
Former Ballymena Times sports editor Stephen Alexander is on hand the relieve all that action, look ahead to the NI Football Awards & give insight into Ballymena United's season long decline.
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This season shows no sign of slowing down as it speeds towards the finish line. Football writer and blogger Lewis Bennett joins the pod to share an in depth look at everything that's on the line across all three Irish League divisions. Plus a preview of Tuesday night's (GW 36) games.
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What a start to The Split as both of the top two fluffed their lines in winnable games. Was it a mere blip for both, or could this be a sign for either team of a late season chink in the amour.
Elsewhere, Ballymena take a huge step away from the automatic drop zone (relatively) gaining three points on Newry by sneaking the three points late on against Loughgall. Can Newry pull it back with a sudden end of season surge.
Plus the Championship promotion race continues to be bonkers, so you know we're talking about that.
This week joined on the pod by Newry Reporter and Banbridge Chronicle Editor Michael Scott.
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Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI jump back onto the pod this week for an extensive team by team preview of the upcoming split. How have the fixtures fell? Who has something still to play for? And what are the big games to keep an eye on.
Plus, we look back at the gripping Irish Cup Semi-Finals.
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Sports reporter from the News Letter, Johnny McNabb joins the pod ahead of an Irish Cup Semi-Final Easter Weekend special.
The four best sides in the country face off for a place in the Irish Cup final. A truly season defining weekend. We preview the games and assess all teams path to victory.
Elsewhere, we recap the past weekends games, stick the latest goings on at the top of the championship under the magnifying glass and ask whom of the bottom two are the most likely to sneak 11th.
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Glentoran are once again on the look out for a new manager, their forth permanent boss in the space of just over a year. Who is the right person to take over and what kind of job do they have on their hands?
Will it require revolution or just evolution?
Did Feeney get a fair shake at the job and what led to his eventual parting of ways.
Matthew Brown from the Shout at the Oval podcast is our guest to help answer all these questions and more!
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Sports Journalist with the Belfast Telegraph, Stuart McKinley, joins the pod to recap NIFL's showcase final where the Blues were triumphant over an unsteady Portadown side on Mother's Day.
Can they use this success to propel themselves toward the Gibson Cup?
Elsewhere, a collection of Glentoran supporters clubs have made their opinion clear, they want change in the East Belfast dug out. Are they criticisms harsh? And what can Feeney do - if anything - to win over the Oval faithful?
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Ahead of Linfield and Portadown facing off in the League Cup Final, Peter is joined by Podcaster & Blueman Mark McGuiggan and Portadown media man Jonny Dunlop to preview the big clash. Could the second tier Ports upset an injury ravaged Linfield? Or will the blues show their class and lift their second League Cup trophy on the bounce.
Also on the pod, the panel recap the latest Irish Cup Quarter Final results and share their thoughts on Irish League fan culture following Linfield being hit by a stadium ban for support conduct.
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After starting off the last week with so much potential, Cliftonville will look back at the past couple of days thinking 'what could have been?'.
Outclassed by Linfield at home and then toppled by Dungannon away, things could not have gone worse for the Reds as they attempt to keep their season from completely going off the rails.
Damian Mullan, Sports Editor of the Coleraine Chronicle joins the pod to share their thoughts on the week that was of Irish League action.
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Matthew Brown from Shout at the Oval joins the podcast to review a week where Coleraine make Linfield look all at sea with a surprising 3-0 victory, Glentoran smash sorry Newry - scoring 8 goals - & Carrick, Larne and Crusaders all win out on less than ideal grass surfaces.
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Last season's Champions are back on top. Undefeated in 19, they've crawled back Linfield's point cushion - in part - due to the blues dropping 5pts in two game weeks.
Cliftonville continue to breath down both teams necks after they continued their own streak without death by thumping Coleraine.
Elsewhere it was stalemate in the battle of the basement and Glentoran throw away a two goal first half lead for the second time in a week.
Peter is joined by sports reporter and former sports editor of the Ballymena Times, Stephen Alexander.
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The Irish League might be steam rolling towards the business end of the season, but our compadres in the League of Ireland are preparing to kick off their brand new season for 2024.
To keep us all up to date with the latest comings and goings in the league we contacted broadcaster and host of League of Ireland podcast Between The Stripes help answer all our big questions - including if the recently proposed 'All Island League' investment plan turned any heads?
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Massive news in the Irish League as one of the longest serving managers is to step down. What legacy will Stephen Baxter leave on Crusaders and the league as a whole? Who might take over in Seaview? And what might the future hold for the red and black team in North Belfast.Reporter and football writer Barry Flynn joins the pod to discuss all that plus recap the Irish Cup 6th Round.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/support
Dungannon make a huge comeback at Windsor Park to score the biggest shock of the season and further blow the title race open. How will Linfield react as their rivals for the Gibson Cup kept up their end of the deal with victories on Friday night.
Coleraine finally won a game for the first time since the start of November, we also ask what the latest is on their mooted takeover. Plus, we preview the last 16 in the Irish Cup.
Joining the podcast to review it all is Belfast Live sports reporter Steven Crawford?
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The three at the top come up trumps again as they all win out in a weekend impacted by weather cancellations. Elsewhere, Carrick heap more misery onto Coleraine as they claim first win away at the Ballycastle Road for over 30 years.
Ally McCalmont jumps around to review all that, plus looks back at the entertaining League Cup Semi finals.
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Who ordered the battle for a top six place/European play off spot? Because it's here and it's toasty hot. The Irish League continues to get more interesting by the week. Add in a couple more transfers and a sprinkling of some further rumoured ones, and that all adds up to a rather delectable pod offering to indulge in. No better person to join the pod this week to skim their eyes and ears over it all than podcaster Mark McGuiggan.
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Football writer and broadcaster Barry Flynn returns to the podcast the recap the entire 5th Round of the Irish Cup. Where we saw another comeback at home from Linfield, the Glens left it late to avoid another embarrassing cup exit to Annagh United and Crusaders two year reign as Irish Cup holders will come to an end after they were slain by Ards at home.
We'll summarise all the latest Irish League transfer goings on and look ahead to the first NIFL Premiership gameweek of 2024.
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Linfield enter 2024 as the team atop the pile in the NIFL Prem after escaping Inver Park with a point. But it's all eyes on the cup on as the big boys enter the fray in the Irish Cup this weekend. Plus we also look at the early January business already completed the Irish League.
Reporter and commentator Mark Strange joins the pod.
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Blues keep their Boxing Day record at Windsor sparkling, Ben Wilson delivered another North Belfast win for the Reds as Larne are unflustered by a battling Carrick.
This festive period also saw the end of Garry Boyle's time in the Newry City managerial hot seat.
Joining the pod to chat through it all was Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion of Around The Grounds NI.
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Just before you get started on that last minute Christmas dash, your weekly fill of Irish League chat is here, and this time round we're taking a look beyond the upcoming festive schedule and ponder every Premiership team's potential needs in the January transfer window.
Football blogger and writer Lewis Bennett joins the pod to review the latest games and give the latest on the potential Bangor takeover.
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A weekend with huge potential ramifications on the title chase, Linfield's young guns helped the Blues recover from some horrendous mistakes to claim three points late against Dungannon, while Cliftonville are unable to repeat the feat as they come up short against Glentoran at home.
Peter is joined on the pod this week by Stewart Cherry.
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An inspired McGinn helped lead Glentoran to a resounding victory over a shell-shocked Linfield. Could this be the start of the Feeney turnaround and why did the Blues capitulate in he manor which they did?
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We're pretty much at the half way point of the Irish League top flight season, so we decided to reflect on the campaign so far by picking our best XI from what we've seen. Gareth Frazer and Conor Houston jump aboard the pod from the good ship The Waffle to share their feelings.
They also aid in running their eye over a weekend which saw the top three win out and Glenavon complete their rout of the bottom 6 with their 5 win in a row.
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Football writer from The Newsletter', Johnny McNabb joins the podcast to talk about the latest happenings in the Irish League.
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Larne remain Linfield's true kryptonite as the Inver Reds do what only they can seemingly do, beat Linfield & do it at Windsor. Exquisite goals from Thompson and Randall earn Larne the points to halt the Blues runaway title run at least for now.
Elsewhere, Stephen McDonnell has finally turned the ship around in Lurgan after they secured their third win in a row, while Carrick win a goal fest in Stangmore as the Swifts are left to wonder when they'll ever get a win again.
Joining to share their view on all the latest Irish League news and action is podcaster and Glenavon media man, Dave Watt.
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The wind and rain couldn't keep the football away, a full slate of Irish League top flight games delivered twists, turns and plenty of goals.
A clinical Larne were able to withstand a sparky Cliftonville frontline, Linfield swagger to a victory against Newry and Glenavon sneak past Dungannon to make it two wins in a row.
Football reporter and podcaster Mark Strange joins the pod.
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Glentoran and Crusaders couldn't be separated in a high octane clash where the true winner looks to have been Linfield. There was stalemate at the bottom of the division two as Ballymena and Dungannon share the spoils, but Glenavon capitalise with a victory over Carrick to take them out of the basement position.
Podcaster and Linfield fan Mark McGuiggan joins the pod this week to review all of the latest games as well as respond to David Jeffrey's thoughts that Linfield should have considered a bespoke stadium during the Windsor Park renovations.
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In the battle of the top two it was the Blues who were able to withstand the Cliftonville pressure and grab all three points after McKee makes short work of a one off mistake by the Reds' back line.
Loughgall return to winning ways, Glentoran keep the goals coming and Ballymena Utd win out to rise off last place leaving Glenavon lurking at the bottom
Lewis Bennett is this week's guest as we recap all the latest in the Championship too.
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Matthew Brown from then Shout At The Oval podcast joins Peter to review all the latest comings and goings in the Irish League. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/support
Every team has played everybody else in the league which means it's the first opportunity for a proper temperature check to see how some of these NIFL Premiership teams are getting on this season.
We review all the games as always and look ahead to a spooky Friday the 13th selection of games this week in the company of podcaster and Irish League statman, Ally McCalmont.
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What a week for the wee side from Co. Armagh, Loughgall cement their top flight credentials by defeating the Champions at home and holding the free scoring Reds in North Belfast.
We reflect on their recent success. Plus, a recap on Peter's big interview with NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor and look ahead to a big weekend of games including the BelClassico.
All in the company of pod guest, football reporter and former Sports Dditor of the Ballymena Times, Stephen Alexander.
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Peter sits down with the head of the Northern Ireland Football League to share an sight into what went into the organisation's new 5 year strategy plan.
In the interview he discusses support for a change in the league schedule, how the league has grown over the years and aims to review when games are played throughout the week.
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NIFL drop their biggest statement of intent yet, a five year strategy plan which includes implementing 'change to the professional game playing calendar', increasing attendance by 40% and breaking into Top 35 of UEFA Club Coefficient, all on the table, but will they get it done by 2028?
Belfast Live football writer Steven Crawford joins the pod as he runs his eye over it, on top of reviewing the latest Irish League games.
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Gary Hamilton's reign as Glenavon boss is over. After close to 12 years in charge of the team which saw him lead the club to a sustained period of success, the Lurgan Blues board decided it was time to move on from one the league's biggest characters.
What legacy does he leave at Mourneview Park? Was it the right call to dismiss him? And who are the contenders to fill the hotseat?
Joining the pod to help answer all these questions is Editor of Newry Reporter & Banbridge Chronicle, and loyal Glenavon supporter, Michael Scott.
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A poor week for Northern Ireland's national team as the men's team took centre stage and laid another egg. It seemed like the straw which broke the camels back for some as goal scoring hero David Healy unleashed a passionate outburst about how the development of the team has been handled off the pitch. Was he right? Were his comments justified? And what action should the IFA take?
Plus, Stewart Cherry joins the pod to review the weekend's games, preview the upcoming slate of fixtures and ask if it's NIFL's/IFA's job to vet potential new Irish League owners.
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It's Kicking Match 50 and for this celebratory pod we've brought back podcast OG, football commentator Michael Clarke.
Plenty of chat about this week as Loughgall snagged a huge result after going down to 10 men, Linfield shot right back up to the top of the table with a win and we have in-depth discussion about leadership/direction within refereeing in Northern Ireland.
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After waiting ages for one investor to come into an Irish League club, all of a sudden this week...well you get the picture. Carrick and Coleraine have both said yes to external American business people get to help take their club to the next level. Potential exciting futures await.Back on affairs on the pitch, Linfield blow a lead at home to those previously mentioned Co. Antrim Rangers. Glenavon battle back to secure a draw away from home and Glentoran are left seeing numerous reds after they are pegged back by highflying Crusaders. Was the Bobby Burns sending off fair?Joining the pod this week is football writer and journalist Stuart McKinley. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kickingmatch/support
Peter is joined by Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI in the Kicking Match digital studio to talk about Linfield's and Cliftonville's 'perfect' start to the season so far ahead of their big clash. We ask, how is the weather getting games called off during the summer? Was Stephen Baxter right when he suggested Glentoran are to blame for 'silly money' in the Irish League. Plus, Glenavon and Ballymena are starting to feel the heat as they languish bottom of the league with zero points.
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Coleraine Chronicle Sports Editor Damian Mullan is our guest this week as we shine a spotlight on Coleraine takeover talks as we approach what could be a critical week in discussions.
Plus, a super early temperature check around the league, as some teams struggle to get their goal scoring mojo going. Is there a striker shortage or have Larne, Cliftonville and Coleraine just hoarded a load of the best ones on their bench?
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Gameweek 1 of the NIFL Premiership is in the books and what we lacked in actual games we made up for it in drama and action. We review all the games, put the spotlight of the NIFL Championship and lookahead of a full schedule of games ready to kick off the season proper.
This week joined by sports writer and blogger, Lewis Bennett.
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The Irish League is back and so is the podcast!
There's 228 game of thrilling NIFL Premiership action ahead of us, and with so much football about to take place we know you have plenty of questions. Who are the favourites for the title? Who's improved this summer? Who could finding things difficult? And what surprises could be in store?
To help answer all those questions and more, fellow Irish League podcasters Mark McGuiggan (Fly Nets) and Conor Houston (The Waffle) jump onto the pod and join Peter Cinnamond to preview the season CLUB BY CLUB!
Sit back and relax, as this is the place to find out everything you need to know before a ball is kicked this season.
Running Order: Coleraine - (00'04'27)
Loughgall - (00'11'52)
Cliftonville - (00'18'13)
Glenavon - (00'25'11)
Carrick Rangers - (00'30'26)
Linfield - (00'36'10)
Glentoran - (00'44'53)
Dungannon Swifts - (00'55'33)
Crusaders - (00'55'53)
Newry City - (01'01'57)
Ballymena Utd - (01'07'34)
Larne - (01'14'22)
Gameweek 1 Preview - (01'22'08)
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It's been a hot minute, aka month, and the Irish League made plenty of headlines in that time, so Peter Cinnamond is back with those pesky Around the Ground boys - Joe McCallion and Ross Welsh - to review all the happenings since the season's final season. From transfer sagas to social media handshake teases, we talk about who is dominating the early recruitment game. The League already has four new bosses, we pick our way through one of the craziest manager merry-go-rounds. And Northern Ireland continues to disappoint with a dreary weekend of Euro qualifier performances mean our Germany dreams may as well be over.
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Season is now properly, kinda, pretty much over. The European spots are nailed on and teams are starting to work on their team for next summer. We review the latest Irish League transfer dealings, assess the fallout of the European Play Off final on both Glentoran and Cliftonville, ask how Ballymena United will rebuild under their next manager and discuss the league's latest ticket price increase.
Guests on the pod this week are Joe McCallion and Ross Welsh of Around the Grounds NI.
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We welcome back Kicking Match OG, commentator and presenter Michael Clarke to review all the predictions we made about the teams in the NIFL Premiership before the 2022/23 season kicked off all the way back in early August. Plus, we recap the Irish Cup Final and preview the forthcoming European play offs.
{00:00:00}{Introduction/Irish Cup Final}
{00:08:59}{European Play Off Preview}
{00:15:59}{Irish League Season Review 22/23}
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We get ourselves into the Irish Cup spirit as we look ahead to Sunday's showpiece final at Windsor Park.
We talk to Gavin Martin from the Crusaders media team and his Ballymena opposite number Anthony Greer to get an insight into each camp and discuss who and what could be the difference makers as we run back last year's famous final.
Plus a special guest appearance from Northern Irish broadcasting legend Jackie Fullerton.
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The fairytale did not have a happy ending, Portadown are set to be relegated and hometown hero Niall Currie is gonna have the job of his life on his hands to rebuild the Ports into an Irish League force once again.
Belfast Telegraph's Keith Bailie joins the pod to chat the NI Football Awards, potential NIFL reshuffling and all the latest transfer rumours around the Irish League.
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Larne are champions, Cliftonville are looking for a new manager, Glenavon have snagged themselves a European play off spot and the Swifts/Ports battle for safety comes to ahead this weekend!
And to pick our way through it all, Peter is joined by Conor Houston and Gareth Frazer of the much loved Irish League podcast The Waffle! #Tasty
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A special Easter bonus episode looking back at all the action of the Easter Tuesday games plus the windy and rainy BelClassico. In a week were Larne edged so close to the Gibson Cup they can almost taste it, Newry City take out Portadown at Shamrock to firm up their survival bid and Bobby Burns scores past Linfield again to put him into the upper echelon of East Belfast derby heroes.
Jumping aboard to chat about it all were Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI.
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A huge Good Friday in the Irish League leaves Larne with one had on the Gibson cup and a thrilling dogfight for survival in prospect.
Plus, with a new Premiership sponsor, a debate has ignited about the amount of teams in the top division. Is 10, 12 or 16 the best choice moving forward?
This week we're joined by writer, commentator and podcaster from the Larne Media team, Mark Strange.
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Three games packing the punch of a full schedule this weekend. The Irish Cup proved its status as a hotbed for shocks and thrilling entertainment as we look forward to a repeat of last year's final.
Plus we have the company of commentator and Portadown Media Team member Jonny Dunlop to chat through the news of the week and do a deep dive into whether the red half of Mid-Ulster have what it takes to save their top flight status.
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Linfield rolled back the year (or months) as they showcased their title credentials. They've duffed two of the leagues bottom teams, but could those just be warm ups for what's to come. Doesn't help that sense of the inevitable happening once again as league leaders Larne fail to dispatch a 10 man Coleraine. It's Irish Cup semi-final weekend coming up so we preview that, and use the lack of games as a chance to question what the league could be doing to grown and engage new fans.
My podcast companion this week is football podcaster Stewart Cherry.
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Larne are acing every test the Gibson cup has been setting them recently and it's made all the better for them that title challenges continue to slip and fall away in pursuit. Perhaps Dungannon will be on their end of season greeting card, another double at Solitude crushing the North Belfast faithfuls' hearts for the second time the season. Where does this leave Cliftonville and their campaign to be champions? How important could those be for the Swifts at the bottom of the table. And lets not forget the ever resilient Linfield who kept the good times from the cup win following, spurred on by an inspired Joel Cooper who grabbed himself a quartet of goals against Newry.
Plus, we chat Northern Ireland. What can a depleted green and white army hope to bag from their first two games of Michael O'Neill's second stint in charge?
We are joined in the leather bound podcasting guest chair by the erudite scribe Steven Crawford from the Daily Mirror NI and Belfast Live.
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We take a look back at the showpiece League Cup Final which left Coleraine devastated and Linfield hoping for more. In league action, we may have seen the game of the season as Portadown left it until the final minutes of their match against Newry to pull themselves out of the darkest of relegation threatened holes, at least for now.
Plus, could Friday football be the future of the Irish League? We double up on guests this week to cover it all as Peter is joined by Ross Welsh and Josef McCallion of Around The Grounds NI for their Kicking Match debut.
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From cup upsets to final previews, non-league action tires to take centre stage this week but top flight drama and the usual Irish League hot debates muscled their way into a jam packed pod. Luckily for us, content creator Peaky joins Peter for a welcome return behind a Kicking Match mic to share their view on all the latest comings and goings within football in Northern Ireland.
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Larne stand firm after Taylor's Avenue drama, Cliftonville and the Blue keep up their chase. Plus, Portadown and Newry City keep things interesting down at the bottom.
Sports Journalist Lewis Bennett jumps on the pod to review this weekend's games, which included a stellar performance from young starlet Sean Moore who grabbed a brace. He also gives us great insight into the often overlooked Premier Intermediate League and looks ahead to the Irish Cup quarter finals and more.
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Journalist Michael Scott joins the pod this week to review the latest gameweek action in the Irish League and reflect on the fortunes of his beloved Glenavon.
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The Irish League is in full flow, but our cousins in the League Of Ireland have just kicked off their new season for 2023. And to be honest, we have a lot of questions. So we called up fellow podcaster and football journalist Kieran Burke to give us an insight into what's been going on while the league was away, who are the favourites for glory and do they talk about the idea of an All Island League as much as some within Irish League circles do?
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The title race isn't just heating up, it's not bubbling away either. It's on full power boil, and the only thing holding it back from complete overflow is a metaphorical wooden spoon hanging on across the pot. Add in the rather spicy pepper that is Kyle Lafferty signing for Linfield into the pot and we have a concoction you can't take you eyes off.
We chat to a man repping the team currently leading the pack, writer and commentator from the Larne Media team Mark Strange. We talk the team's rise to the top, expectations and how the club has grown off the pitch as well since the takeover.
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Sports Journalist Mark McIntosh (The Sun) returns to the pod for a frank discussion on Irish League finances. In a week which saw reports of Ballymena United looking to potentially cut costs and increase revenue to make the club more financially sustainable, we ask if we should be concerned about the chance some clubs are over extending themselves? What lessons should we learn from the past? And is the current market of transfer fees and wages truly the new normal or a bubble that could burst?
Plus, we recap a captivating interview with Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer, review the Irish Cup Sixth Round and look ahead to this weekend's league action.
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Sports journalist Stephen Looney jumps on the pod to help pick our way through the final throws of one of the biggest January transfer windows the league has ever scene. What impact could these moves have on the destination of the Gibson Cup and which teams are still in the league next year? We review the weekend's games and look ahead to the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup.
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Admin mishaps once again plague Portadown as their appeal against NIFL's decision to award Newry City a 3-0 victory from their key meeting in December is dismissed by Irish FA. We spend time talking to the Belfast Telegraph's Keith Bailie, the man who originally broke the story, to get down to the roots of this case and decipherer what Portadown have been punished for. Could it have been avoided? What did the Mid-Ulster club base their appeal on? And does the punishment fit the apparent law break?
Plus a round up of some of the other big stories to hit the league this week, including the end of the Mick McDermott managerial era at Glentoran, comments made by new Linfield GM David Graham and a look at some of the latest transfer news.
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One of the biggest headline grabbing characters in the Irish League has left our touchlines. Recorded before the news broke, this week we spent time with Matthew Brown of the Shout at the Oval podcast to breakdown all the bumps along the way which led to Glentoran manager Mick McDermott stepping away from the post.
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A cup round short on shocks serves up plenty for us to dissect. From a banner protest by plastic sacks of air to bumper transfer swap deals. We pick through the big moments of the Irish Cups 5th round, react to a rather tasty last 16 draw and give you all the latest from what is already one of the most significant January transfer windows the league has seen.
Top sports reporter Barry Flynn returns to the pod to break down all the comings and goings in the championship and puts a spotlight on clubs with potential to draw new fans to the league.
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With the festive period in the rear-view, we bounce into the new year with an abundant title field and a potentially expanding drop zone collective. The season of dark horses is over, and it's now time for teams to show their spots. With the new year comes a chance for teams to refresh their squads, and some have been more keen that others early doors.
We take a look back the the NYD +1 results, review the latest transfer news and musings. Plus, consider NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor's recent comments about a full time Irish League.
Guest on the pod this weeks is Coleraine Chronicle Sports Editor Damian Mullan.
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It's great to have Boxing Day back! A couple of thrillers too as the most heated rivals player out on a brisk afternoon. Blues cool heads prevailed at the Oval, Crusaders with a greatest hits performance in North Belfast and Shevlin was the difference on the North coast.
Big crowds mean a big podcast, this week joined by Belfast Live reporter and Queen's Radio Sports Editor Lauren McCann.
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One of the biggest weeks in the Northern Irish football calendar. With our bellies fully of copious amounts of mini-foods and the head splitting from the Christmas doo, we put all that festive spirt of companionship and unity to one side for 90 minutes, as the annual Boxing Day derby slate welcomes in bumper crowds.
We look back at the games that did go ahead this weekend past, preview NIFL's biggest day of games as we dive into all the potential Boxing day drama and highlight every team's biggest needs from this January transfer window.
All in the company of podcaster and sporting stat man Ally McCalmont.
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Where there is a will there is a way. And sometimes 'the will' looks like a large cannister of propane. Plastic pitches came up trumps this weekend for the three games in the NIFL Premiership, while Portadown's pitch proved it may be the Bear Grylls of the league by pulling through to host their first home win since March. Shamrock Park has seen more adversities over the years than some merger frost.
While Portadown are set to appeal their lost points against Newry City last week, Dungannon kept their distance with another win themselves and Coleraine continue to look sharp in front of goal and even sharper defending theirs.
Plus, this week's guest Dave Watt dives into that ever touchy subject of plastic pitches and how non-full time teams aim to compete moving forward?
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While the weather might make you think of jumping into a set of skiing overalls and swagger your way down to a game, the action on the pitch provided plenty of fire as the title chase continues to heat up. Crusaders claim supremacy over Glentoran as the East Belfast side's form continues to slide. Linfield make it ten unbeaten over the weekend as Cliftonville get a front row seat to the McDaid show as they tumble at Warden Street.
Portadown on the other hand not only get their first goal of the Niall Currie era but their first three points in almost 9 months, but could they be chalked off due to an admin error?
We whistle through all the goals, action and drama in the company of former Sports Editor of the Ballymena and Antrim Times, Stephen Alexander.
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Middlesbrough can host 34,000 at the Riverside, could Glentoran be able to host as many by the side of the Belfast harbour? That's if the potential suggestions by their owner Ali Pour on a new home for the East Belfast men becomes a reality, we talk to Matthew Brown of the Shout At The Oval podcast.
North West sports journalist Johnny McNabb joins the podcast this week to chat through the weekend of games which saw another top 6 stalemate, Cliftonville continue their sterling form, Dungannon shock unpredictable Glenavon and Coleraine surpisingly smash Larne.
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It was a category 5 baltic weekend just past, and while most fans are wrapping themselves up, Glentoran thought wrapping Conor McMenamin in cotton wool this winter was for the birds. With the icy air it was up to the leading pack to not slip and fall as we stake towards the busy festive period.
Matthew Brown from the Shout at the Oval podcast is our guest this week and tackles all the tough topics. Like which team has the best social media graphics, can a club have too many R. Hales and what do we make of the new Football NI app?
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A week of drama on and off the pitch, with the league's premier player facing a potential multi-month lay off due to an injury sustained from a controversial tackle which only resulted in a yellow card. Fans and manager were furious, but did some heat of the moment comments cross a line?
With Glentoran stuttering this week, the chasing pack have remained unrelenting with Larne claiming top spot after blasting nine goals in two games. Cliftonville and Linfield take care of business as Newry earn what could be a season defying collection of points.
Scribe supremo Steven Crawford from Belfast Live/Daily Mirror makes his pod debut to tackle a busy week of headlines.
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If you think your local town sticking up Christmas decorations is a tad early, have a thought for Glentoran fans don’t know what to think right now, as everybody else is saying we may as well tie the red, black and green ribbons around the Gibson cup already. Big week of games means a huge pod.
This week Peter is joined by Cool FM sports reporter Gareth McCullough.
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We're in the peak of Autumn and as the leaves change many clubs in the Irish League are following suit. Be it who's on top of the league to their manager, teams are shaking it up. Niall Currie returns to the Ports as manager but at this stage guiding them to safety looks like a bigger task than a three point turn in the Suez Canal. Could Dungannon be dipping into the managerial market soon as their season continues to stutter. Forget Disneyland, the Oval is the happiest place on earth if you're a Glentoran fan, they can't stop scoring, winning and keeping clean sheets, what cheat codes do they have access too? And who is the most likely to catch them at the top this year?
We discuss everything social media when it comes to the Irish League with the vlogger formerly known as PeakyBannsider guesting on the podcast.
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The only thing more scary than losing to one title rival in a week, is losing to a second one. But something even more bone chilling would be to find out you might not even be title challengers yourself anymore!!! Now that is eerie!
The fact that there was three 4-2 wins just feels like a coincidence now. With goals galore and a cohort of title challengers emerging, we called up a man who has described more goals than Glenavon has had red cards, radio sports specialist Barry Flynn.
Barry fills us in on what it takes to chat football on the wireless and reveals which Irish League manager he fell out with on their Birthday.
Running Order:
Linfield vs Larne (04'57)
Newry City vs Glentoran (15'16)
Dungannon Swifts vs Ballymena United (19'55)
Glenavon vs Carrick Rangers (23'14)
Coleraine vs Cliftonville (29'52)
Crusaders vs Portadown (37'31)
Barry Flynn reflects on almost 20 years talking Irish League on the radio (45'45)
GW13 Preview (1'11'41)
How Strong is the Championship? (1'26'46)
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From a rip roaring BelClassico to a 5 minute hatrick, this Irish League season has officially thrown off the shackles of early season chin scratching, has has now entered the sphere of known quantities. The good teams are looking great and those lagging behind have barely left the traps. What this really means is that Glentoran could not look more impressive, while Larne's glow up from last season is almost complete after a thrashing of title rivals Cliftonville. Oh, and do we need to mention Linfield's current situation Blues fans?
Commentator and podcaster Michael Clarke returns to the pod for one of the biggest episodes of the season so far.
Running Order:
Linfield vs Glentoran (04'06)
Larne vs Cliftonville (20'37)
Portadown vs Newry City (26'36)
Carrick Rangers vs Dungannon Swifts (38'55)
Ballymena United vs. Coleraine (45'00)
Crusaders vs Glenavon (55'32)
GW11 Preview (57'55)
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These top six teams just can't get out of each other's way, and unfortunately for us this effective truce is creating games more boring than your kids school play. That is except for Glentoran who just keep winning and doing it in style. But a new game week beckons and so does the first BelClassico of the season.
Can Linfield jump start their season? Is the split already set in stone and could Portadown fans start thinking about how they'll get to H&W Welders next season?
Chief Sports Writer of the Belfast Telegraph, Steven Beacom joins the pod to talk through it all. Including reaction to Northern Ireland's Euro 2024 Qualifying draw.
Running Order:
Coleraine vs Linfield (05'31)
Cliftonville vs Crusaders (13'27)
Glentoran vs Carrick Rangers (16'26)
Glenavon vs Dungannon Swifts (25'18)
Newry City vs Larne (29'52)
Ballymena United vs Portadown (34'35)
Northern Ireland's Euro 2024 Qualifying Draw (47'00)
GW11 Preview (1'01'20)
The podcast is back after a brief sabbatical and somehow we didn't miss a single registration snafu or a Glenavon red card, but there was a game called off for bad weather so no clean Irish League bingo card for us.
One of the most well informed and straight talking journos in the country makes his debut for this jam packed pod as we welcome Mark McIntosh from the Sun.
There continue to be questions over Ian Baraclough's future as NI boss as fans began to voice their displeasure in Windsor and we chat the fallout of the Conor McMenamin and Kyle Lafferty squad withdrawal drama.
We play a unique team building game where two fellow Irish League podcasters Mark and Owen from the Fly Nets Podcast (not Mark Owen from Take That, he knows nothing about Irish League Football...I think) pick their fantasy XI to join the Irish league made up of current Irish League players. There are a few minor rules but there's no doubt you'll get the jist.
Better late than never and slightly different to your usual pod, but this week we serve up an in-depth preview of this forthcoming weekend's games, find out a bit more about the 13yo Glenavon debutant Christopher Atherton and ask if it's win or bust for Ian Baraclough as Northern Ireland prepare for Nations League action againist Kosovo & Greece.
As the sun sets on this small period of time when we play football during summer, like a screaming schoolchild being grasped by the cold embrace of September, there are those who want it to be a footballing summer all the time. Obviously there's been some rather measured discourse online in reaction to these completely fresh suggestions and in the name of content we're talking about it.
We also round up all those who just HAD to wait until the very moments of the Transfer Window and swap clubs on deadline day #Dramatic.
Northern Ireland revealed a new colour for their next away kit and feedback has been not an uproar at all, sure it's only a t-shirt maybe out of some old rubber, what could that do to annoy people?
In League action, Glentoran are wanting to prematurely party like it's 2009, Ballymena wonder is there anything worthy partying for and it isn't a Carrick party these days unless they score two goals - and at least one of them is a worldie.
The man making this podcast into the best two person party since the last Daft Punk rehearsal, is Cool FM sports reporter Gareth McCullough.
Running Order:
Transfer Deadline Day Round Up (04'48)
Pat Fenlon's Summer Football Comments (14'27)
BBC Announces More Friday Streams (23'01)
Northern Ireland's New Kits 2022 (26'18)
Glentoran vs Newry City (31'30)
Crusaders vs Larne (46'21)
Ballymena United vs Linfield (55'47)
Dungannon Swifts vs Coleraine (1'01'01)
Glenavon vs Carrick Rangers (1'05'21)
Portadown vs Cliftonville (1'10'56)
Championship Cabaret (1'14'52)
GW6 Preview (1'16'46)
Clubs in need of some retail therapy have mere hours left to add a wantaway defender or a statement signing.
We try to wade through the quagmire of hearsay, double source some transfer drama and speculate where some players could end up.
Linfield turned the biggest game in their history into a four day nightmare, how will they recover? Glenavon shock the Bannsiders, Newry shock Glenavon and Glentoran shock nobody by thumping the Ports on TV.
Stephen Looney jumps on board as co-captain this week, but sadly only on loan. He talks through the slate of games and shares a unique insight into the potential Crusaders takeover.
Running Order:
Transfer Chat - Stewart/Marron/Salley/Sule (01'40)
Linfield Shattered Euro Dreams (14'25)
Carrick Rangers vs Linfield (22'42)
Michael O'Neill Leaves Stoke / Potential Next NI Manager (32'47)
Newry City vs Linfield (42'02)
Cliftonville vs Dungannon Swifts (42'02)
Larne vs Ballymena United (45'36)
Coleraine vs Glenavon (56'53)
Newry City vs Crusaders (1'05'01)
Crusaders Takeover Latest (1'13'34)
Portadown vs Glentoran (1'17'23)
GW5 Preview (1'26'25)
A huge podcast this week with a NI podcast legend, the Belfast Telegraph's Keith Bailie.
We discuss if in a new era of multiple full time teams are Irish League clubs are being financially responsible? What lessons can be learned from other leagues where teams faced financial meltdown, should fans be concerned and what are the warning signs they should be looking out for?
Keith shares a comprehensive deep dive into the Ards ground drama which has spanned 20 years. And we look back at another thrilling weekend of Irish League action.
Running Order:
Glentoran vs Crusaders (05'52)
Cliftonville vs Carrick Rangers (14'37)
Glenavon vs Larne (24'46)
How financially responsible are Irish League clubs? Could some be closer to meltdown than we think? (34'01)
Newry City vs Linfield (42'02)
Carrick Rangers vs Newry City (44'23)
Portadown vs Coleraine (50'20)
Dungannon Swifts vs Ballymena United (55'49)
Ards FC Ground Saga:- A Complete Guide (57'38)
Championship Cabaret (1'11'53)
Fantasy Football Land (1'16'49)
GW3&4 Preview (1'21'52)
The Irish League is back and it did not disappoint on its opening weekend.
From 9 men comebacks to ridiculously early goal of the season contenders.
Gareth Hanna joins the pod to go through it all. Who looks like they've bossed the transfer window and who have emerged as serious title challengers?
We have a look through the telescope at what could be in store for GW2, we raise the curtain on some Championship Cabaret and if you want some Fantasy Football coverage, great, we have that too!
Running Order:
Ballymena United vs Glenavon (05'19)
Coleraine vs Cliftonville (21'57)
Crusaders vs Dungannon Swifts (30'56)
Linfield vs Portadown (36'33)
Carrick Rangers vs Newry City (44'23)
Larne vs Glentoran (51'55)
Championship Cabaret (55'49)
Fantasy Football Land (58'11)
GW2 Preview (1'02'20)
It’s the second half of our NIFL Premiership season preview, and we’re coming out strong! Same line up and formation, but spurred on by your half time team talk via twitter.
We also enter treacherous waters of predicting results for GW1. Like buffalo chicken wings this pod is the best Starter you could ask for ahead of the Main Course that is the return of Irish League football.
Running Order: Ballymena United (01'25) Clifonville (09'59) Dungannon Swifts (25'53) Portadown (24'33) Glentoran (32'23) GW1 Preview (44'25)
The top tier of the Northern Irish football pyramid is set to return with 38 game weeks of rip roaring thrills that'll make Space Mountain feel like a trip down a slide.
To get the fanbases excitedly overhyped and crushingly pessimistic all at the same time, your buds at Kicking Match are serving up a towering helping of club by club previews of the season ahead as our introduction into this podcasting game.
We grabbed commentator and presenter Michael Clarke to join in as people actually trust what he has to say about football.
And we also nabbed a chat with Newry City Fan and podcaster Ally McKenzie to help give us an inside track on how the Mournemen will fair this season, as if we're being honest we didn't watch a lot of their highlights last season but do need to know who's good from them for our fantasy team.
Running Order:
Linfield - Europe (00'07'35)
Linfield - League (00"16'05)
Coleraine (00'23'27)
Glenavon (00'31'20)
Larne (00'36'15)
Irish League Nirvana (00'43'42)
Carrick Rangers (00'46'29)
Crusaders (00'53'00)
Newry City / Ally McKenzie Interview (00'58'50)
If your team isn't here, keep an eye out for Part 2.
Presented by Peter Cinnamond