Dial are back on the road today (22 Feb.) when they travel to Parkside in the quarter-final of the Saturday Intermediate (County) Cup at GOALS (Tolworth). 2pm k.o.

It's the second time in two years that Steve Brown's side have reached the last eight of the competition after beating Thames United at the same stage last year, only to lose out to a technicality.

Dial booked their place in the quarter-finals after a well-engineered 5-1 win against Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) Premier Division outfit Shotterhill & Haslemere at the Recreation Ground, followed by a 4-1 league win over Banstead Rovers last Saturday (15 Feb).

Meanwhile, Parkside, who were formed from Merton Rovers in 2006, currently ply their trade in the confines of the Kingston and District Saturday League Premier Division (step 8). They have already beaten Molesey Reserves (5-3) and Milford & Witley (5-0) en route to the quarter finals after receiving a bye in the first round.

However, it's not all been plain-sailing for the 2022 Kingston Sports Team of the Year club. Due to the inclement weather, Parkside have not played since 18 January after their league fixtures against Richmond & Kew and Sutton HKER were both postponed, which leaves them 10 points adrift of Barnes, but with five games in hand.

Parkside striker Joe Woolhouse has already netted 15 goals in eight games for the Tolworthians; four of which came against Milford & Witley in the third round of the county cup. By comparison, Harry Rice has scored 19 goals in 21 appearances for The Dial so far this season.

Brown has again been forced into changes for the 12-mile trip to Parkside, with strikers Charlie Carter and Jordan Carter unavailable, and Dylan Averiss and Louie Rogers (hamstring) both doubtful. It could pave the way for Adam Bicknell to come straight into the side after serving a three-match suspension. Matt Bunyan is also expected to make his 10th appearance this season to shore up the defence.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com on Thursday, Brown said: "We are extremely light on numbers this weekend, with five (potentially seven) players unavailable and a further three players cup-tied, so we know it won't be easy.

"While the venue doesn't make for a great footballing spectacle, we need to maintain our professionalism and adapt our style to the conditions with the personnel available.

"Without taking anything away from Parkside, the [Dial] players know it's a good opportunity to reach a county cup semi-final, and I expect them to show that. However, it won't be a walk in the park, so their attitude and endeavour needs to be right from the first whistle," he added.

For Fans travelling to Goals Tolworth by train, the nearest rail station is Tolworth, which is a few minutes walk from the venue. Please check South Western Railway’s live timetable here prior to departure.

For those travelling by car, there is ample free parking available at the venue and along Old Kingston Road.