Jacksgranda Posted July 7, 2021 Share Posted July 7, 2021 Lets get this going, not that there are too many interested in the goings on in the NIFL. Linfield have it all to do in the Champions League qualifiers, having lost 3-1 in the first leg of their tie with Zalgiris. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57732734 Not sure if I'd have the Blues as stick on champions this time around, I fancy Glentoran to be there or thereabouts, and if Coleraine could actually string one good season together instead of two half seasons it might at long last be their year. However, the north Belfast duo of Crusaders and Cliftonville can't be ruled out, although I can't see the Reds winning it, but they might stop someone else winning it. Larne will be hoping to put in a more sustained challenge than last year - not that they were disgraced by any means last season - and could there be a surprise package - Ballymena, Glenavon? Looking forward to the big kick off, here are the opening fixtures - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57747899 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Hitler Posted July 7, 2021 Share Posted July 7, 2021 Not going to claim to be an expert on this league by any means but have been known to watch the games when Sky Sports has them on, usually on international weeks when there isn't a Monday Night Football. Enjoy it, actually, quite 'blood and thunder' and a refreshing lack of all the normal falling about. Refs seem willing to let a bit more go. Quite enjoy Steve Lomas' musings, when he's been on. about which players deserve a chance 'over the water'. One who, by my reckoning, did/does was Jamie McGonigle who I was certain might follow Kearney over to St Mirren at one point. Liked watching him. So I am sure I'll keep an eye, and would be interested to hear what OP has to say on other divisions as well! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 7, 2021 Author Share Posted July 7, 2021 I'm a bit out of touch with the other divisions as they haven't played for two seasons. I was never terribly au fait with them at the best of times, just used to post the scores of the top/bottom teams basically. Would like to think that Institute could make a return to the top flight, and Ards might also fancy their chances, not forgetting Ballinamallard United, Ballyclare Comrades, Dundela and Newry City, but who knows. Once you move below that you're into unknown territory although I always like to see Tobermore United doing well, as they are the nearest team to me. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 9, 2021 Author Share Posted July 9, 2021 More European action. Larne win - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57770463 Glens draw - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57770470 And 10 man Coleraine (how many times have I written that) lose - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57771760 (That'll please the Motherwell fans.) 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 11, 2021 Author Share Posted July 11, 2021 Nice wee story about Harry Gregg https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57366810 Irrelevant fact - I used to live in Windsor Avenue. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimi Shandrix Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 I like to keep an eye on what's going on in Norn Irn. My dad was working over there in the early 70's for Michelin and whilst there became the proud (?) father of an Irish bograt i.e me. So, I am by default a supporter of Ballymena. As a Dundee supporter for most of my life, Ballymena are perfect for me as they always win f**k all. What are your thoughts on the blues chances this season Grampa? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 11, 2021 Author Share Posted July 11, 2021 1 hour ago, Jimi Shandrix said: I like to keep an eye on what's going on in Norn Irn. My dad was working over there in the early 70's for Michelin and whilst there became the proud (?) father of an Irish bograt i.e me. So, I am by default a supporter of Ballymena. As a Dundee supporter for most of my life, Ballymena are perfect for me as they always win f**k all. What are your thoughts on the blues chances this season Grampa? Like most things in Northern Ireland in the 1970s - Stormont, Ian Paisley, The Yard, Chemstrand, Enkalon, border checkpoints - Michelin isn't there anymore. I can't see them winning the title, but I'm sure David Jeffrey's side will have an impact on who does. Irish Cup might be their best bet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 Linfield try to overturn a 2 goal defecit in their second leg tie tonight. I wouldn't bet against them but I think it's unlikely. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 Linfield exit Europe - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57804200 (I hope nobody bet on them winning the tie...) 9 men Zalgiris do the "double". Shamrock Rovers knocked out, too. Both of them will now play in the Europa Conference League. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clockwork Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 It does perhaps only draw a small audience on P&B@Jacksgranda, but your regular updates and reviews on the NIFL (domestic and European competition) are always much appreciated. Hopefully another competitive season to look forward to. Cheers. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clockwork Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 Full Fixtures for the Premiership for 2021/22 can be found here https://www.nifootballleague.com/premiership/2021-2022/fixtures/Hopefully Carrick Rangers can avoid the start of last season offering more hope and a little less angst this campaign and following the surprise departure of Big Niall Currie back in May. Fixtures for the Championship for 2021/22 can be found here.https://www.nifootballleague.com/championship/2021-2022/fixtures/In the 2nd tier, as posted above by the OP, Ballinamallard will be looking to push things along this year after losing the chance to regroup on missing out in 2019/20. It will be interesting to follow progress at Dergview following the appointment of new boss (and former Asst Manager) Tommy Canning, after working with the Youths at Finn Harps. On completing the short trip back to Tyrone he signed forward *Benny Igiehorn from his former club. *Recall his short spell with a Larne, the big fella looked a real handful in a convincing win against Carrick at Inver Park a couple of years back. Loughall and Ards who finished 3rd & 4th respectfully before the cessation of fixtures should be in the mix again. My real hope is for a resurgent Ballyclare and that they can put something together this season. After a series of recent struggles they were unlucky to miss out in the 2017 playoff against Institute. Always enjoyed a visit up the road from Carrick back in the day even though they were considered local rivals, with a couple of pints in town after the game. Tidy wee ground and a good community history behind them. Good luck to them all for the coming season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 15, 2021 Author Share Posted July 15, 2021 Looks like the Glens are on their way out, 2 down with 20 minutes to go. Larne scoreless. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clockwork Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 Bannsiders follow the Glens and Blues but Larne march on. Cracking result over the two legs, 2-0 Agg. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 16, 2021 Author Share Posted July 16, 2021 (edited) Aye, Larne keep the fleg flying. Everyone else can take it down off the pole. Edited July 16, 2021 by Jacksgranda Sleppnig 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 23, 2021 Author Share Posted July 23, 2021 Larne and Linfield earn first leg wins. 2-1 to Larne https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57910435 And 4-0 to the Blues https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57910442 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Great result for Larne, 1-1 in Aarhus to go through 3-2 on aggregate! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57982963 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clockwork Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Great result for Larne, 1-1 in Aarhus to go through 3-2 on aggregate! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57982963Tremendous result over the two legs, Linfield through too, perhaps as expected after their performance at Windsor. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Kersey Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 A good result for Larne. I believe that this is their first ever first into Europe. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted July 30, 2021 Author Share Posted July 30, 2021 9 hours ago, Paul Kersey said: A good result for Larne. I believe that this is their first ever first into Europe. Not only is it their first ever first it is their first ever in Europe ! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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