Kevin Bannon

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Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Liverpool face toughest test yet by The Counter Sport Podcast

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi-final matches, as well as take a look at what is going on in the Copa America's later stages.Jul 07, 202401:39:17

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi...
Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Arsenal drop points as Liverpool and Man City take advantage by The Counter Sport Podcast

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi-final matches, as well as take a look at what is going on in the Copa America's later stages.Jul 07, 202401:39:17

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi...
Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Can Liverpool keep up their winning run? by The Counter Sport Podcast

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi-final matches, as well as take a look at what is going on in the Copa America's later stages.Jul 07, 202401:39:17

EURO 2024 PODCAST - 7th JulyAs the tournament in Germany heads into the final stretch, Darren Timson and Liam Grice discuss yesterday's quarter-finals and throw it forward to the upcoming semi...
Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Is the Serie A the best league in world football? by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager? by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

TCS Football Podcast: Ten Hag out and are Liverpool title challengers? by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

Weekend Preview MW7: Premier League Podcast by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

Weekend Preview MW6: Premier League Podcast by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League Podcast by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

Talking Points: International Break by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Spotify for Podcasters •

Weekend Preview : International Break by The Counter Sport Podcast

TCS Football Podcast: Tuchel next England manager?Host Darren Timson is joined by Kevan Bannon and Liam Grice to discuss the breaking news that Thomas Tuchel is in talks to be appointed the next England manager, as well as Kylian Mbappe saying he only wants to play the "important games". Oct 15, 202439:42Weekend Preview MW5: Premier League PodcastLiam Grice takes the hosting chair for the first time and he is joined by Declan Jones-Cordoba and Kevin Bannon to preview the weekend fixtures which i...
Sports News •

LISTEN: Liverpool marathon runner inspiring the next generation - Sports News

While running a marathon in is an admirable feat for anyone, inspiring the next generation of local athletes is equally as laudable.
That’s what a primary school teacher from Liverpool has been doing, while preparing to run the London Marathon in April
James Ellis, coaches at Kirkby Milers Athletics Club, and has been for the last five years. He spoke to Mersey Sport Live about how he got involved in his local club.  He said: “It initially began as I was taking the boy I look after, who’s 12, do...
Sports News •

LISTEN: Bootle and City of Liverpool groundshare disagreement escalates - Sports News

City of Liverpool FC have hit back at Bootle saying they will ‘refuse to be bullied’, as their dispute over ground sharing continues.
The Purps were forced to play their most recent home game in Widnes, after they were expelled from the Berry Street Garage Stadium.
Bootle released a statement last week citing ‘a material breach of the ground-sharing agreement’ as the reason for the termination.
City of Liverpool have labelled this allegation as ‘ludicrous’ and have said that the ‘crocodile tears...

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VAVEL •

Fenerbahçe 1-1 Manchester United: United let lead slip as Mourinho sees red

Manchester United’s wait for a first Europa League win of the season goes on as they were pegged back by Fenerbahçe to share the spoils in Istanbul.

Jose Mourinho was sent off in the second half for behaviour towards the fourth official after his side were denied a penalty.

A brilliant finish from Christian Eriksen put United a goal up in the first half, following a slick counter attack.

An exceptional piece of defending from Manuel Ugarte, followed by a mesmerising double save from Andre Ona...
The Counter Sport •

European Leagues Preview: El Clasico headlines blockbuster weekend

It is a huge weekend of European football ahead, with perhaps the biggest set of games we have seen this season yet. 


We have El Clasico in Spain, the Derby d’Italia in Serie A, as well as Le Classique in France. The stage is set for a cracker of a weekend so let’s have a look at some games.


La Liga


Real Madrid vs Barcelona Saturday 8pm


Perhaps the biggest game in world football is set for Saturday evening with Barcelona travelling to the Bernabeu to take on their great rivals, curre...
The Counter Sport •

European Leagues Preview: Big Serie A clash as Bayern look to remain unbeaten

We are back from another international break and there are some tantalising fixtures across Europe this weekend. This includes a top four clash in Italy as well as Monaco looking to retain top spot in France. Without further ado, let’s preview some games.


Serie A


Juventus vs Lazio Saturday 19:45


It’s 3rd against 4th this weekend in Italy as Lazio journey north from the capital to take on Thiago Motta’s side in Turin.


Both sides are locked together on 13 points after seven games, but...
The Counter Sport •

European Leagues Preview: Searing Spanish Derby and Serie A Table Topper

Another week in European competitions and just around the corner from another international break, it’s time once again to preview another round of fixtures from the other top leagues around the continent. From another derby in Spain to a top of the table clash in Germany, there are some decent games to look forward to this weekend.


La Liga 


Sevilla vs Real Betis Sunday 17:30


Sunday evening throws up the very first El Gran Derbi of the season, with both teams experiencing different fort...
The Counter Sport •

Winners and Losers from Champions League Matchday 2

Matchday Two of the Champions League is in the books and it is still unclear if this new format is any good or not. On one hand you get teams like Brest getting historic victories and on the other it feels as if the disparity between the big teams and smaller teams has just gotten larger, with more drubbings evident. 


As always we will have a look at some winners and losers across the competition and pick a goal of the round as well.


Winner: Brest


One of the more unlikely qualifiers to...
VAVEL •

Boniface the difference in an entertaining clash

Victor Boniface’s fifth goal of the season saw Bayer Leverkusen defeat AC Milan by the narrowest of margins to make it two wins from two in the Champions League.

Milan frustrated the German champions in the first half with Mike Maignan making some key saves to keep them out.

Boniface finally opened the scoring early in the second half after converting from close range following a Maignan save from Jeremie Frimpong.

Milan went close to an equaliser through Theo Hernandez, whose deflected shot...
VAVEL •

Late Paredes header earns a point for Athletic

Aitor Paredes headed home a late equaliser as Athletic Club came from behind to earn a hard fought point against Roma.

Chances were few and far between at the Stadio Olimpico, but the Basque club were well worth the draw following an impressive second half display.

Artem Dovbyk’s cushioned header gave Roma the lead in the first half after a nice move down the left-hand side.

Defender Paredes equalised with five minutes of normal time remaining when he headed home from close range.

Roma came...
VAVEL •

Monaco 2-1 Barcelona: Ilenikhena inspires off the bench to beat Barca

Monaco claimed all three points against Barcelona after goals from Maghnes Akliouche and George Ilenikhena.

Lamine Yamal equalised for Barca after Eric Garcia was sent off early in the first half.

Garcia was given his marching orders just eleven minutes into the game, dragging down Takumi Minamino, while he was through on goal.

Monaco capitalised on the numerical advantage going ahead through a lovely left footed strike from Akliouche to open the scoring.

Yamal scored his first ever Champion...
The Counter Sport •

European Leagues Preview: Milan Derby Tastiest Fixture on the Menu

Fresh off the first week of the new Champions League format, attention returns to domestic action across the continent. There are some big games all over the other four top leagues and in this piece, we’ll look at one fixture to keep an eye on over the weekend.


Serie A


Inter vs Milan Sunday 19:45


While Juventus squaring off against Napoli is also an intriguing prospect, there could only be one answer for the must watch game in Italy this weekend. The first Milan derby of the season sees...
The Counter Sport •

Winners and Losers from Champions League Matchday 1

The first round of the new Champions League format is in the books and it is….well something. It will take a while to get used to the skyscraper sized league table, while wondering if these matches hold any real weight behind them at this stage. 


There were some interesting storylines on the field, however, from Bayern Munich’s record smashing 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb to David Raya’s penalty heroics for Arsenal against Atalanta. In this piece we’ll look at some winners and losers as wel...
The Counter Sport •

Champions League football is back: First-week preview

The UEFA Champions League returns tonight and the competition’s changes are in full effect.


For some, the Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, The tournament’s federation clearly wants to showcase Europe’s premier sporting export with football over three days as the Europa League and Conference League have been sidelined.


Of course, there is the small matter of talking through the new format of the competition which sees teams compete in an initial league phase and will pla...
The Counter Sport •

European Roundup: Kane and Bayern looking ominous

Welcome back to the European Leagues round up. Once more will do a recap of La Liga, Serie A, Bundelsiga and Ligue 1 and break down all the main stories from the weekend. 


Fresh off the first international break this season there was plenty going on around the continent including Barcelona maintaining their 100% start under Hansi Flick, Harry Kane grabbing his first hat-trick of the season for Bayern and Milan finally getting in the win column in Italy. 


LA LIGA


Five games, five wins. I...
VAVEL •

Four things we learnt from Netherlands' entertaining draw with Germany

Denzel Dumfries’ close range finish saw the Netherlands come from behind to draw 2-2 with old rivals Germany in a physical and engaging clash in the Nations League.

It was the Dutch who began the scoring on the night, Tijani Reijnders seizing onto a ball over the German defence to slot home after just two minutes.

Germany equalised after 38 minutes when Deniz Undav made the most of some lapse defending to smash home a rebound and score his first goal for his country.

They then took the lead i...
The Counter Sport •

European Roundup: Mbappe off the mark

Welcome to a new weekly column where we will take a jaunt around the European leagues to recap the weekend’s action and talk about the biggest storylines from the games across the continent. 


We will mainly focus on the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 with maybe some other bits thrown in in some weeks. 


There are so many things to talk about around Europe this week from Kylian Mbappe’s first Madrid goal to Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak ending, so without further ado, let’s dig in....
VAVEL •

Cagliari 0-0 Roma: Neither side find winner in Sardinian stalemate

Artem Dovbyk and Răzvan Marin both had efforts hit the crossbar as Cagliari and Roma played out an entertaining goalless draw in Sardinia.

Roma’s big money signing of the summer was quiet throughout yet nearly opened his account in Serie A, but his close-range header hit the woodwork with ten minutes to go.

Marin then had the same outcome when his shot from 20 yards forced Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to pull off a brilliant save and tip his effort onto the bar.

Lorenzo Pellegrini had the ball...
VAVEL •

Can Conte's Napoli bounce back?

After the ecstasy of a first Scudetto in 33 years, Napoli had a disastrous 23/24 season, recording the worst title defence since three points for a win were introduced. They finished in 10th place, an astounding 39 points behind winners Inter and failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in over a decade. Title winning manager Luciana Spalletti left before the season began and the champions churned through three managers with Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Calzona all failing t...
VAVEL •

Four things we learnt from the Netherlands narrow win over Turkiye

Two goals in six minutes saw the Netherlands come from behind to beat Turkey and reach their first European semi final since 2004.

Samet Akaydin had put Turkey in front in the first half, nodding home Arda Güler’s cross for his first international goal.

Stefan De Vrij then equalised, finding himself in acres of space in the Turkish penalty area to head past Mert Günok.

The winner came minutes later, Cody Gakpo sliding in at the back post and forcing the ball in off the luckless Mert Müldür....
VAVEL •

Four things we learnt from Turkey’s late win against Czechia

A 94th-minute winner from Cenk Tosun saw Turkey defeat Czechia in a tense and fiery encounter which saw the former reach the European Championships' knockout rounds for the first time in 16 years.

Antonín Barák was sent off for two quick-fire yellow cards in the first half, which set the tone for a hot-headed contest that saw 17 yellow cards and another red after the final whistle.

A wonderful strike from Hakan Çalhanoğlu put Turkey ahead before Tomáš Souček drew his side level with 25 minutes...
VAVEL •

Turkey 0-3 Portugal: Post-Match Player Ratings

Portugal ran out comfortable winners against Turkey in Dortmund as they topped Group F in style with a 3-0 win in Dortmund.

Goals from Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, either side of a shambolic own goal from Samet Akaydin, were enough to see the Seleção ease into the knockouts.

Turkey now face a huge game in their final fixture against Czechia to secure their place in the Round of 16.

Altay Bayındır - 4

Came into the team for the injured Mert Müldür and it ended up being a bit of a night...
VAVEL •

Four things we learnt from Serbia’s dramatic late draw against Slovenia

Serbia snatched an injury equaliser against a spirited Slovenia, as Luka Jović 95th-minute goal saw them keep their Group C hopes alive.

Slovenia took the lead with 20 minutes remaining after full-back, Žan Karničnik, finished off a wonderful counter-attacking move.

Serbia looked short of answers against a stubborn Slovenian defence but finally got their first goal at Euro 2024, Jović’s glancing header causing wild celebrations in Munich.

Both sides go into the final round of fixtures with a...
VAVEL •

Turkey 3-1 Georgia: Güler's stunner earns win in instant Euros classic

Turkey claimed all three points in the opening game of Group F as spectacular strikes from Mert Müldür and Arda Güler and a last-gasp Kerem Aktürkoğlu finish saw them defeat a valiant Georgia in a rain soaked affair in Dortmund.

Turkey went ahead through Müldür's brilliant volley from the edge of the box. Kenan Yildiz then had a second ruled out for offside moments later.

Georgia responded well and Georges Mikautadze made history with a cute finish inside Mert Günok's near post.

Güler's glori...
VAVEL •

Can debutants make waves on maiden voyage? - Georgia Euro 2024 Preview

Georgia head to Germany this summer, where they will compete in their very first major international tournament.

Having qualified through the play-offs, the small Caucasus country will have a chance to impress on the biggest stage.

Currently finding themselves 75th in FIFA’s World Rankings, they will be the lowest-seeded country at this summer's tournament.

Under the tutelage of former France international Willy Sagnol, however, the Georgians will feel they are not at the Euros to be whipping...
Sports News •

Liverpool face anxious wait on injured trio for Carabao Cup Final - Sports News

Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of three key players ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final, writes Kevin Bannon at the AXA Training Centre. 
Reds Assistant manager Pep Lijnders revealed that Mohammed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai are yet to be confirmed as part of the squad for the Wembley clash against Chelsea.
The trio missed the midweek win over Luton, and Lijnders admitted that it will be a late call if they can take the field. 
He said: “Dominik, Darwin and Mo we really hav...
Sports News •

Lancashire Cricket to Return to Liverpool - Sports News

Liverpool Cricket club will host a Lancashire two second eleven matches this summer, with the long term hope of staging first class cricket at Aigburth next year.
Lancashire’s Second Eleven will host Middlesex June, and Yorksire in the last game of the season in September. Meanwhile, for the third year in a row, Southport and Birkdale CC has got the nod to host a county championship match as Lancashire host Nottinghamshire.

Some good news for Liverpool cricket fans: @lancscricket will return to...
The Non-League Football Paper •

DRAMA AS WATERS SEALS BIG LATE WIN - The Non-League Football Paper

By Kevin Bannon
MARINE 2
Sinclair-Smith 84, Waters 90
TWO late Marine goals saw them rally to win 2-1 against ten-man Worksop Town in a marquee matchup between two promotion play-off hopefuls.
Finlay Sinclair-Smith’s tidy finish with five minutes remaining drew the Mariners level, after Regan Hutchinson’s first-half opener.
Matty Waters won the game for Neil Young’s side in style, producing a spectacular 30-yard effort with 99 minutes on the clock to send the Crosby crowd into raptures. The vi...
Sports News •

Jurgen Klopp hoping for 'proper' European night at Anfield - Sports News

Jurgen Klopp wants a ‘special’ atmosphere at Anfield as his side face LASK in the Europa League on Thursday.
Liverpool can qualify for the next round of the Europa League with victory against LASK tomorrow night (Nov 30), but failing to do so would mean needing a result away to Union St. Gilloise on the final matchday.
The Reds had a 100 per cent record in Group E until the shock 3-2 defeat at Toulouse three weeks ago. That has delayed what looked like safe passage to the knockout stage and now...
Sports News •

Sean Dyche: Everton "shocked and aggrieved" at points deduction - Sports News

Sean Dyche has admitted that Everton have been ‘shocked’ following the club’s 10-point deduction by the Premier League following financial breaches.
The Everton boss was speaking ahead of their game against Manchester United at Goodison on Sunday; the Toffees first match since the punishment was handed down.
The ten-point deduction saw Everton drop to second bottom in the Premier League table, two points adrift of safety.
Dyche said: “I think like everyone in these parts is, we’re shocked. Seemi...
Sports News •

How one Liverpool woman got moving to fight cancer - Sports News

Being diagnosed with cancer can be horrific for anybody.
Having to go through chemotherapy and relapsing is the worst-case scenario for many who have lived with the illness.
But one woman from Liverpool has lived through such an experience and has successfully come through the other side through the help of exercise and staying active while undergoing treatment.
Sophie Mulligan, 27, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2015 and after two and a half years of chemotherapy found out...
Sports News •

Marine crash out of FA Cup after Harrogate hammering - Sports News

Marine’s FA Cup journey came to an abrupt end as they were defeated 5-1 by Harrogate Town in the first round at the Marine Travel Arena.
A brace from Sam Folarin and goals from Abraham Odoh, Rodney McDonald and Matty Foulds, saw the League Two outfit show their quality to advance to the next round.
A Chris Doyle header brought the Mariners level in the first half, but that would be the high point of the afternoon in Crosby as they crash out of the competition.
The visitors had the ideal start af...
Sports News •

Marine hoping for more cup magic - Sports News

Marine will look to spark another cup run on Saturday as they take on St. Ives Town in the FA Trophy.
They have already reached the FA Cup first round, where they’ll face League Two Harrogate, but attention turns to the other domestic trophy ahead of the weekend’s trip to Cambridge.
The Mariners are looking to bounce back in the cup having lost two of their last three league games, against Macclesfield and Guiseley respectively. The defeat on Tuesday against Guiseley was a particularly poor show...
Sports News •

Marine face tough FA Cup task at Halifax - Sports News

Marine will look to continue their FA Cup journey as they take on Halifax Town on Saturday.
The Crosby side are hoping to reach the first-round proper of the competition for the first time in three years, but will face a tough task away at the National League side.
The Mariners will be eager to replicate their FA Cup run of 20/21, where they famously faced Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the third round.
Marine are on a fine run of form, unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions, includin...

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