Dial boss Steve Brown knows that three points is a must when his side host Banstead Rovers in the Surrey Premier County Football League at Alwyns Lane today (15 Feb). 2pm k.o.

Despite registering an impressive 5-1 win against Shottermill & Haslemere in the county cup last Saturday, Dial have dropped back to second in the league table after suffering back to back defeats against AFC Walcountians and AFC Cubo.

It's been dubbed one of the closest ever (step 7) title races, with just four points separating new leaders Wimbledon Casuals and AFC Walcountians in the fifth.

Rovers currently occupy mid-table after winning back-to-back Surrey South Eastern Combination League titles. Their promotion to the Surrey Premier County Football League has not been without controversy, after they were denied in 2023 due to missing an application deadline, which saw runners-up Frenches Athletic promoted instead.

Meanwhile, Taryn Smith is leading the charge for Rovers after scoring 14 goals in 12 league games so far this season. Attacking midfielder Kieran Campbell has also returned to the club from Tooting & Mitcham United to bolster their push for a top-five finish.

For Dial, Brown is pleased to welcome back Adam Aziz, Charlie Marshall, George Lawrence and Balai Antonio Dembele to elevate the attacking options. On the flip side, Dial will be without Matt Bunyan, Dylan Averiss, Adam Bicknell (suspended) and Arnie Linturn, which could prompt a return for Adam Sewell.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com ahead of the fixture, Brown said: "Banstead have some useful players among their ranks, so it will be a tough game.

"I'm hoping that we can build on last week's performance against Shottermill [& Haslemere] and take that same confidence into the league. We need to get back that winning mentality and be ruthless in front of goal.

"We need three points, so hopefully the fixture will draw a decent crowd to spur the players on," he added.

For supporters and football enthusiasts travelling to Alwyns Lane by train, the nearest rail station is Chertsey, which is a c. 15-minute walk (via Guildford Street and Windsor Street) to the ground. You can plan your journey here.

For those travelling by car, Alwyns Lane football ground offers very limited parking, which is principally for players and match officials. Therefore, spectators are asked to park with consideration in the neighbouring residential streets.

Admission charges apply: £5 (concessions £3). For more information, click here.

To view the full list of Dial's fixtures and results, click here.

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