It was another impressive display from Steve Brown’s side, who effectively put the game to bed before half-time with goals from Will Neville, George Lawrence and Charlie Marshall without reply.

Despite the 46 points gulf separating Dial and their Woking-based opponents at the start of play, both came into the fixture with a point to prove; well, three to be precise. Dial needed just three more points to win the title and The Acorns needed maximum points to help preserve their Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) status.

Brown made just one change to the starting line-up that beat Hambledon 7-1 three days earlier with Matt Bunyan given the nod ahead of Connor Auns.

It took Dial just 10 minutes to open the scoring when Jordan Carter cut the ball across goal for Will Neville, unmarked, to tab home at the back post.

Shortly after, Rice’s corner-kick bounced off the top of the crossbar. Neville was then denied by Glen Andrews after again finding himself in an advanced position.

Dial capitalised on their early pressure when Lawrence managed cut inside Jamie Hart on the edge of the box, before riffling a low shot past Andrews to make it 2-0.

Rice, Lawrence and Finley Rose-Davies all had good opportunities to increase Dial’s advantage, but failed to hit the target within a high-tempo 15-minute spell.

However, Dial were gifted a third when Andrews fouled Marshall just inside the box, leaving the striker to comfortably covert from the penalty-spot three minutes before the interval.

Neville was inches away from adding a fourth two minutes after the restart. Andrews then saved low to deny Rice following a great interception from Auns midway through the second period.

Not to be overshadowed, Rice was on hand to net his 35th and record-breaking goal in the 66th-minute following some tenacious and unselfish wide play from Carter.

Jake Bellmaine came close to reducing the arrears, but his shot flew wide of the post in what was the visitors first and only shot of the match.

Although, the hosts did manage to pull a consolation goal back in injury-time when Andy Rider was pushed over the goal-line, something Paul Gorringe – the referee – waved away on the cusp of the final whistle.

Speaking after the match, Dial boss Brown said: “I thought the players gave an excellent account of themselves against Knaphill, and in difficult playing conditions.

“There was a lot at stake, so I was curious to see how they would deal with the pressure. However, they didn’t disappoint. It was a professional performance and I couldn’t be more pleased for them to win the league and make history for the club.

“I thought we started the game on the front-foot and got our noses in-front early on, which was important. Although we were three up at half-time, it could have been more, so credit to their goalkeeper for making some fine saves.

“It was also great to see Harry [Rice] break the league record (most goals per season), which has been a fantastic individual achievement. It's been on the cards, so it's good to see it come to fruition.

"This season has been one of, if not my most enjoyable season in football; I can't praise the lads enough for their quality, work ethic and commitment.

“To win the league with five games remaining is a great achievement for everyone associated with the club and I hope it's a stepping stone for us to kick-on again next season.

“I would like to thank the club’s management committee and the fans who have supported us rain or shine. Your collective support is greatly appreciated.

"We did it! We're 2023/24 champions,” added Brown.

Dial Square line-up: Rider, L.Rogers, Bunyan, Phillips, Vass (Linturn), Neville, Carter (Marshall), Rose-Davies (Cenzano), Rice (Vassell), Lawrence (Auns), Marshall (Porcher)

MotM: Aidan Phillips