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Brown demands high performance to match high stakes.

Dial could close the gap on promotion rivals AFC Walcountians to just one-point today (26 April) if they can overcome Battersea Ironsides at Alwyns Lane. 2pm k.o.

For boss Steve Brown, the message is simple: anything less than three points against the Ironsides this afternoon will put the kibosh on winning the Surrey Premier County Football League title.

It would also mean that Dial would need to win two of their remaining three games against Wimbledon Casuals, Worcester Park and Banstead Rovers (TBC) to secure promotion.

The last time that the two sides met was back in September 2024, where Dial came away from south west London with a 3-0 win thanks to a late trio from Harry Rice.

Since then, Ironsides have only lost once in their last seven, which was away to Cranleigh in midweek (23 April). Prior to that, you have to go all the way back to 7 September 2024 for Battersea's last and only other league defeat away from home against CB Hounslow & Abbots.

Brown is under no illusion that today's visitors will present a difficult challenge, as they eye-up a top-five finish. However, if Dial can replicate their second half showing against Frenches Athletic 10 days ago and put away their chances, there's every reason to believe that Dial can come out unscathed going into the final three fixtures.

The hosts will again need to make do with influential winger Jordan Carter, who is still nursing a pulled hamstring. Dial will also be without Aidan Doran and Callum Abraham-Barlow, who are both unavailable for the visit of Ironsides this afternoon.

Brown is expected to keep faith with the mainstay of the squad that beat Frenches, with James Vass likely to come in for the absent Abraham-Barlow. Dan Cenzano could also come back into the starting eleven to add some much-needed firepower up top.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com ahead today's match, Brown said: "There's no two ways about it, Battersea are a tricky side to play against. We found them difficult to break down when we played them earlier in the season; they're a big and resilient outfit, and I'm not expecting anything different this afternoon.

"Like every team that comes to play us at Alwyns Lane, I'm sure they will be looking to spoil the party. However, I'm confident that the lads are in a good place. If they work hard and earn the right to play, their quality will shine through.

"While it's also disappointing to be without a few important players, that's what we have a squad for. I'm sure that the boys stepping in will do a great job and we can achieve the desired outcome of three points come 3:45pm."

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.

There are no major roads closures in and around the Chertsey area. But you can keep up to date using Surrey County Council's free highways update e-notifications here.

Admission charges apply for the fixture: £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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