Dial are potentially just 90 minutes away from booking their place in the semi-finals of the Premier Challenge (League) Cup when they entertain Richmond & Kew this afternoon (24 Jan). 2pm k.o.

With Alwyns Lane still waterlogged following a deluge of rain during the week, the fixture was switched to the 3G pitch at Royal Holloway Sports Centre to ensure it would not fall foul of the weather.

Dial have had a promising start to 2026, with three wins from three, and scoring 14 goals in the process. In contrast, Richmond & Kew are still searching for their first win since mid-December, after two draws (v CB Hounslow & Abbots) and one defeat (v Tooting & Mitcham United U23s).

The Blues beat Laleham 2-1 away to progress through to the last eight of the competition, while Dial's route was less arduous after receiving a bye against Selhurst following their withdrawal from the Surrey Premier County Football League in August.

The first and only time that Dial have played Richmond & Kew was back in October when a late stoppage time goal from Charlie Marshall gave Steve Brown's side all-three points at Ham Playing Fields.

However, Dial will be without captain Zac Hawker - who scored in the previous meeting - for the visit of the Blues after the midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against AFC Cubo last Saturday (17 Jan). He is expected to be sidelined for 9-12 months.

Despite the major disappointment of losing Hawker midway through the season, Dial boss Steve Brown is pleased to welcome back experienced midfielder George Frith to the starting XI after a thigh strain, while Daniel Cenzano could come in for Harry Rice.

Wing-back Callum Abraham-Barlow could also make his first appearance for The Dial in two-and-a-half months, although Charlie Marshall remains doubtful after picking up a angle knock against Tongham a fortnight ago.

Speaking to DialsSquareFC.com on Friday (23 Jan), Brown said: "The last time we played Richmond & Kew they were at the wrong end of the table. but were far better than their league position suggested.

"They have made a few good signings to strengthen their side, which has seen them move up to seventh in the league table, just two points behind CB Hounslow & Abbots in fifth-place. However, league form goes out of the window in the cup, so we need to maintain our focus throughout.

"We did well to beat Richmond [& Kew] before after trailing 2-1, then going down to 10 men after 62 minutes, so we need to manage the game better this time around.

"They're a physical side, so I'm expecting it to be a tricky cup tie," added Brown.

For fans travelling to Royal Holloway Sports Ground today, you can plan your journey here. No admission charge applies.

To view the full list of quarter-final league cup ties, click here.

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