Dial boss Steve Brown has no intention of letting nostalgia get in the way when his side travel to The New Defence to face Reigate Priory this evening (30 Sept) in division one of the Southern Combination Football League (SCFL). 7:30pm k.o.

Founded in 1870, Priory are the oldest active football club in Surrey, whereas The Dial are the newest senior club formed 150 years later.

While the two clubs have very little in common, they are joined at the hip in one aspect: both are in the midst of a three-year groundshare to gain promotion to step 5 of the National League System.

For Reigate, their journey into senior football began in the 2023/24 season when they agreed terms with now Isthmian Football League side Horley Town to enable Priory to gain promotion from the Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division to the SCFL in May 2024.

After finishing mid-table in their first season at step 6, Priory narrowly missed out on promotion to step 5 last season after finishing runners-up to Godalming Town, and losing 2-0 at home to Infinity in the play-off semi-final.

Under the managerial guidance of Dale Wyatt, tonight's hosts are again making a valiant push for promotion, residing two points and two places above Dial in sixth, albeit Dial have a game in hand.

With almost a full complement of league fixtures played last night (29 Sept), Jarvis Brook have leapfrogged Dial into fifth following their 1-1 draw at home to Loxwood. However, a win against Priory this evening would move Dial up to fourth, level on points with third place Worthing United.

Despite Dial's unblemished home form in the league, Brown's side have yet to win on the road this season, with every [league] goal conceded being away from home. In contrast, Priory have won all six of their previous league games, home and away. Their last defeat at The New Defence was against Infinity (1-3) back on 18 August.

Fresh from their 6-0 win over Ringmer at the weekend, Dial welcome back midfielders Matt Hinks and Deji Adeosun. Captain Jimmy Norman is also expected to return to the heart of the defence after a one-match absence, while winger Daniel Wanyonyi could make his first start for The Dial after returning to action for the first time on Saturday (v Ringmer) since 15 August.

Elsewhere, midfielder George Frith and striker Danny Taylor are both still unavailable, but could be back in contention for Dial's trip to Saltdean United on Saturday week (10 Oct). Full-back Callum Abraham-Barlow and winger Charlie Plant are also doubtful for tonight's trip to south east Surrey.

For those travelling to The New Defence (satnav RH6 8SP) this evening, you can plan your journey here. The nearest rail station to the ground is Horley, which is on the Southern (Greater Thameslink Railway) line. See route map.

Reigate's standard matchday admission prices for the 2026/27 season are £8 for adults, £4 for concessions (under-16s and senior citizens), £3 for Under-16s. U5s are Free.

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