After a hard-fought 3-2 win in the quarter-finals of the county cup last weekend, Dial are pleased to be back to nigh on full-strength for the visit to Spelthorne Sports Ground.

Despite manager Steve Brown being absent for the next two fixtures, assistant player manager Matt Bunyan has options at hand on whether to stick or twist on the side that triumphed against Thames United eight days earlier.

Dial welcome back Jordan Carter, Noel Fortune, Connor Auns into the squad after a one-match absence. Samuel Bello-Balogun, who has re-signed for The Dial from Ascot United, has also been given the green light to play by the league and could come straight into the starting X1 if Charlie Marshall is unable to recover from a hamstring strain.

The Thornes proved tough opposition in the opening game of the season at Alwyns Lane, which Dial eventually managed to ride out to win 5-3.

The Ashford-based club have only played four league games at home since September 2023, registering two wins, one draw and one defeat, compared to five wins and four defeats on the road. Their last league win at Spelthorne Sports Ground was against Lightwater United (4-1) on 14 October 2023.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com earlier this week, Brown said: “We have some difficult fixtures coming up against Spelthorne (10 Feb), Ripley Village (13 Feb) and Laleham & Kempton (17 Feb), who, on their day, are all difficult teams to beat.

"When you’re top of the league, there's a target on your back every time you step onto the pitch. We know that, which is why we make sure that we are prepared ahead of each match. You cannot take anything for granted.

"Spelthorne made us work hard for the three points back in September [2023], and I’m sure they will be out to prove a point this time around,” added Brown.

For Fans travelling to Spelthorne Sports Ground by train, the nearest rail stations are Sunbury and Upper Halliford, which are both a 15 to 18-minute walk to the ground (map). Please check South Western Railway’s live timetable here prior to departure.

For those travelling by car, there is ample parking available at Spelthorne Sports Ground, which is situated off the Staines Road West (A308) dual carriageway.

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

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