Dial get back to business today (23 August) when they host Battersea Ironsides on the opening day of the 2025/26 league season at Alwyns Lane. 2pm k.o.

After nine pre-season friendlies, the time has finally come for Steve Brown's side to put sail to the wind as they seek to reverse last season's 3-2 scoreline against The Irons, which ultimately cost Dial promotion to the NationaL League System (at step 6).

Brown is hoping that Dial's busy pre-season campaign against, predominately, more senior status clubs, will give the players the impetus they need to hit the ground running.

Dial have recruited well over the summer, with former Egham Town skipper Zac Hawker taking the captain's armband from Will Neville (long-term injury). Hawker is joined by experienced midfielders George Frith and Oliver Knight, and former FA Vase winner (with Ascot United) Marcus Mealing - to name a few new faces, all of who have joined Brown's crusade for promotion.

After a positive 4-2 win against Molesey in midweek, today will be the first time that Dial's new armoury will come together in a competitive match against a well-organised Battersea Ironsides outfit.

The Irons were one of the in-form sides in the final quarter of last season, losing just one game (v Keens Park Rangers) in their last 10 league outings to eventually finish sixth, just two points behind Worcester Park in fifth.

Brown, who returns to the technical area today after missing Tuesday's win over The Moles, is expected to have a strong squad available for the visit of The Irons, with new signing Darren Xavier likely to come straight into the squad after his registration was confirmed by the League yesterday afternoon.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com ahead of the match, Brown said: "It's good that the new season has finally arrived. It's been a difficult pre-season against, largely, higher league opposition. There's been plenty of chop and change with so many players away for one reason or another, so it's good to finally have most of the squad back together again for the visit of Battersea.

"I'm confident that we have a great squad that will do well, but as we found last season, there are no easy games, so continuity of performance is key. We need to get off to a good start to rubber stamp our intentions.

"Although we are likely to be without Jimmy Norman (knee) and Callum Abraham-Barlow for a couple more weeks, it was good to have the opportunity to sign Ollie [Knight], Marcus [Mealing] and Darren [Xavier] before the 6pm deadline on Friday (22 Aug). All three will really help to shape and bolster our squad," 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 for the fixture. Click here for more information.

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