Larne's humbling defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League highlighted the recently untested gulf in class between the Irish league and the League of Ireland.

Despite significant progress for the Irish League over the years, the result at Windsor Park was a clear indicator that there is still a long way to go until there is parity across the divisions on the island.

Northern Ireland football podcaster Stewart Cherry and Editor of the Banbridge Chronicle and Newry Reporter, Michael Scott are this week's guests to share their view on the status of the league and what steps should - or shouldn't - be taken in order to continue developing football within Northern Ireland.

Football writer Lewis Bennett returns to the pod to look back at a week of Irish League action, including a deeper look at the NIFL Championship and beyond.

We preview Larne's all Ireland clash with Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League and preview this weekend's forthcoming games.

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.