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TITLE-CHASERS LOCK HEADS AT ALWYNS LANE

TITLE-CHASERS LOCK HEADS AT ALWYNS LANE

Marc Brewer5 Apr - 05:15

Championship decider first leg

Dial are back in league action this afternoon (5 April) when we host title-chasers Wimbledon Casuals at Alwyns Lane. 2pm k.o.

With our match against Banstead Rovers postponed last Saturday (29 March), Casuals took full advantage against Hersham (4-0) to move one-point ahead in the table; and just one-point behind leaders AFC Walcountians, who drew 1-1 against AFC Cubo.

As the championship race heats up, a win against The Dons this weekend would see Dial move back to the top of the Surrey Premier County Football League table and administer the visitors’ first league defeat of the season.

As things stand, Dial need eight points from seven remaining league games, albeit five of the seven fixtures are against clubs in the top-six, coupled with trips to Frenches Athletic and Banstead Rovers (Date TBC).

Despite the disappointment of not being able to play last Saturday (v Banstead Rovers), Brown has mixed feelings about today's game. He is confident that the players are well-prepared, but is less enamoured being absent from the technical area due to serving a one-match suspension.

While midfielder Aidan Doran remains doubtful for the visit of The Dons, Dial are expected to have a nigh on full-strength squad available, with Brown and assistant Matt Bunyan remaining tight-lipped regarding the final selection up until 45 minutes before kick-off.

Speaking ahead of today's crunch match, Brown said: “Our game against Wimbledon Casuals has been eagerly anticipated. They’re unbeaten in 21 league games, and have won the league the past two seasons, which says a lot about the quality among their ranks.

“From my perspective, I believe we’re [Dial] capable of beating anyone in the league, but we need to put in a real shift and be physically and mentality prepared.

“The outcome of today's match is likely to be pivotal in the title race, so I hope it draws a good crowd and the result goes our way come 3:45pm,” added Brown.

With Brown unable to be present along the touchline, Bunyan or captain Will Neville take charge of team affairs as Dial look to leapfrog Casuals and AFC Walcountians in the table and close in on promotion and the league title.

However, Casuals are currently the league’s joint top-scorers with 71 and have only conceded 17 goals in 21 fixtures, so there's a lot at stake in Chertsey this afternoon.

Dons' top scorer Matt Hinks has netted 14 league (18 in all competitions) goals for the visitors so far this season, seven behind Harry Rice (26 in all competitions) who remains the league's top marksman.

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.

There are no major roads closures in and around the Chertsey area. However you can keep up to date using Surrey County Council's free highways update e-notifications here.

Admission charges apply for the fixture: £5 (concessions £3). For more information, click here.

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

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