Dial could move back to the top of the Surrey Premier County Football League table today (21 Dec) when they travel to Egham to play AFC Royal Holloway. 2pm k.o.

With new leaders Worcester Park not in action, Dial could move back to the summit if they beat the royalists' first team to top the league table twice at Christmas in two consecutive years.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides, although Dial did register a 3-0 away win over AFC Royal Holloway Reserves back in January 2022 to progress to the quarter-final of the Surrey FA Saturday Junior County Cup.

However. not for the first time this season, Dial will be depleted on headcount with no less than 11 players absent or sidelined, including Adam Aziz, Jordan Carter, James Vass and goalkeepers Andy Rider and Richard Ossai. Striker Tyler Robinson, who opened his account for Dial against Keens Park Rangers last Saturday, has also returned to his parent club Bedfont Sports.

To help fill the void, Brown swooped in midweek to sign former Staines Lammas goalkeeper Glen Andrews and former Beaconsfield Town and Marlow striker Kane Guy-Seifert to help steady the ship as part of a streamlined 12 or 13-man squad.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com on Friday, boss Brown said: "While you always expect some players to be unavailable a few days before Christmas, I hadn't anticipated on there being so many for one reason or another.

"Despite Royal Holloway's position in the table, they have a pool of 68 registered players to choose from, which makes them an unknown quantity at the best of times. Therefore, you cannot judge them on past results.

"The good news is that the playing surface is well-maintained by Royal Holloway University and should suit our style of play, so I have faith with the 11 on the pitch at any time," added Brown.

For supporters and football enthusiasts travelling to Royal Holloway Sports Centre (a.k.a. Nobles Fields), a travel guide is available here. Admission charges do not apply for this fixture. Parking restrictions are in force.

To view the full list of Dial's results to date, click here.

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