Dial to dig deep to overcome Surrey champions

Dial Square - the club by Arsenal fans for Arsenal fans face a crunch clash tonight - why not give them your support 

Dial face their penultimate test this evening (Friday, May 2) when they host inform Worcester Park at the Robert Park Stadium at 745pm.

With the visitors unable to play the fixture on May 5, the match was switched to Ashford Town, due to Alwyns Lane being prepared to host a youth tournament.

With just two league games remaining (following Banstead Rovers resignation earlier in the week), manager Steve Brown knows that tonight's fixture could effectively make or break Dial's season.

Brown knows that his side will need to up their game considerably from the last time they played Worcester Park, which resulted in a 4-0 defeat at Skinners Lane.

The visitors will be looking to end their season on a high after they beat Kew Park Rangers 5-0 on Monday (28 April) to lift the Surrey FA Saturday Intermediate (County) Cup for the second time in three years. Whereas a win for Dial would see them go level on points with fellow promotion chasers AFC Walcountians, who boast a much better goal difference.

But with no less than six of the starting eleven out, including influential winger Jordan Carter (injured), captain Will Neville (injured), James Vass (unavailable) and goalkeeper Andy Rider (unavailable), Brown acknowledges that his side will need to dig deep to earn the three points.

Richard Ossai (goalkeeper), Noel Fortune, Sam McDermaid will all return to help bolster the squad. It could also see another start for former Ashford Town (Middlesex) striker, Matt Bunyan, now 39, who returns to his old stomping ground after scoring in the 3-2 defeat against Battersea Ironside last Saturday.

Speaking to DialSquareFC.com on Wednesday, Brown said: "With so many players injured or unavailable against Worcester Park, it presents a challenge in itself.

"Although, when our backs are against the wall, we tend to give a good account of ourselves. The players know what's at stake, and what will be will be. Quite simply, we cannot afford to lose the game, which should make for an interesting spectacle.

"It will be great to see as many fans get down to Ashford as possible to cheer the lads on," he added.

For supporters and football enthusiasts travelling to the Robert Parker Stadium by train, the nearest overground rail station is Ashford (Surrey), which is a c. 35 to 40-minute walk to the ground. You can plan your journey on foot from the station here. The nearest underground station is Hatton Cross (Piccadilly Line), which is a 30-minute bus journey to the ground. See route map.

For those travelling by car, the ground offers plenty of parking. However, in the event all the available car parking allocation is used, kerbside parking is available along Short Lane. We ask that spectators park with consideration in the neighbouring residential area.

No admission charge applies for this fixture.

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

#ByTheFansForTheFans

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Gooner Fanzine editor and journalist Layth paid a visit to Dial Square last week and loved his trip - and heartily recommends as many Gooners as possible to head over to Alwyns Lane at some stage soon to sample the wonderful welcome all at The Dial offer. Watch this space for Layth's feature on The Dial - the club for Arsenal supporters, by Arsenal supporters. 

Despite the result can I just say I’ve had an absolutely brilliant day at Dial Square - the club formed by Arsenal supporters for Arsenal supporters. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. If you’re a Gooner I would heartily recommend visiting @TheDial and taking in a game pic.twitter.com/btb5eNhMpt

— Layth (@laythy29) April 26, 2025