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DIAL HOST FIRST DERBY AT HOME TO CITY

DIAL HOST FIRST DERBY AT HOME TO CITY

Andy Fitzsimons

Brown intends to re-write screen play

**Pitch inspection required: 10:30am**

Dial are back at home this afternoon (24 Oct) when Steve Brown's side host neighbours Guildford City in Division One of the Southern Combination Football League (SCFL).

For The Sweeney - no, not the iconic 1970s police drama - they will return to Redding Way for the first time outside of step 5 in 22 years following their relegation from the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division South last season and subsequent switch to the SCFL.

Now under the managerial guidance of former Keens Park Rangers manager Luke Simmonds, City are starting to make a resurgence after losing their step 5 league status in May. It's culminated in six wins, two draws and five defeats so far this season as City occupy sixth place in the table; just one above Dial on goal difference.

While Guildford remains a town due to several unsuccessful attempts to become a city since 1999, the football club continues to fly the flag for city honours in anticipation that the historic market town will one day follow suit by Royal Seal of Approval from the King.

In the meantime, today's visitors will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat in midweek at home to fellow promotion-chasers Worthing United, It was The Sweeney's first time that they hadn't scored in six league games, with Luke Mitchell currently topping the club's scoring chart with eight in 13 league and cup appearances.

For Dial, Brown will be looking for his side to build on their 3-1 league cup win over Loxwood on Tuesday. He's hoping his players show the same endurance and tenacity to move above City in the table, with just three points currently separating AFC Walcountians in second and Jarvis Brook in fifth.

George Douglas is expected to return in goal for The Dial after he was briefly recalled by Bedfont Sports to feature against Southall on Tuesday.

Callum Abraham-Barlow also returns to the squad after a two-match absence, along with George Frith and Joseph Apeni who missed Tuesday's win over The Magpies.

Elsewhere, Jimmy Norman is expected to start after he deputised in the technical area for Brown in midweek, alongside Matt Hinks, who was partially rested against Loxwood. Brown is also hoping to throw a curveball into the mix for this afternoon's fixture to help bolster Dial's attacking options.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com on Friday, Brown said: "As the saying goes, anything can happen in a derby, especially with it being the first competitive meeting between the two sides."

"I know of a few of their players, having played against them [Guildford City] last year in a pre-season friendly. They will be tenacious and obviously want to win, but we will have a strong squad available. I'm hoping that we will have enough strength and depth to get a result on what will be a difficult playing surface," he added.

For supporters and football enthusiasts travelling to Brookwood Country Park Football Ground (Redding Way) today, the nearest rail station is Brookwood, which is a c. 25 to 30-minute walk to the ground through Brookwood Country Park. You can plan your journey here.

Brookwood Country Park offers free parking for up to approximately 70 vehicles adjacent to the football pavilion. Further free parking is available at the nearby Lansbury Business Estate (GU21 2EP) and the Vyne Field Car Park (GU21 2DG). Refrain from parking in the residential areas of Strathcona Gardens, which is a parking controlled area.

Admission costs are £5 for adults (including those aged 16 and 17) and £3 for concessions / Dial shareholders. For more information, please click here. A 16-page matchday programme will also be available to purchase at the turnstile for £2.

To view Dial's forthcoming fixtures and results, click here.

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