The deadly duo of Ben Strevens and Paul Benson struck as the Daggers beat Gillingham at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium. The two have been a big reason why Dagenham are currently the League's leading scorers and a goal from both notched up a very good Boxing Day win over an in form Gillingham team.

The match really couldn't have got off to a better start for the home team. The clock had only ticked past 18 seconds when Paul Benson held off Garry Richards to find his strike partner Strevens. Strevens was able to force the ball past Alan Julian and watched as the ball rolled in off a post.

It was a fast and furious start to the game, a tempo which usually suit's the home side. Benson was unable to keep his header from a Peter Gain cross down but the Daggers weren't able to impose themselves on what was a first half that lacked much quality.

Whilst the Daggers struggled to keep hold off the ball, the Gills weren't doing much better and struggled to create anything to pose Tony Roberts much difficulties. The keeper was on hand to field a well struck effort from Albert Jarrett, former Dagger Mark Bentley scuffed a volley into the ground while Andy Barcham struck over.

John Still bellowed at his troops to push up and its just as well they did after a free-kick to the Gills outside Dagenham's own area. Adam Miller was on hand to head the ball up and over Roberts and into the back of the net only for the referee assistant's to flag the midfielder offside.

The finest moment of the opening period came via Matt Ritchie's left back. AN outstanding drag back allowed Ritchie to get himself in a position to cross. That centre was deflected into Solomon's Taiwo's path who unfortunately dragged his effort horribly wide.

There certainly wasn't a lack of quality for Dagenham's second goal. Benson was on hand to pounce on a loose on the corner of the Gillingham penalty area. The striker fired a shot across the goalkeeper and the ball ricocheted off the far post into the back of the net.

That gave the Daggers a two goal cushion and the onus was on the visitors to push forward. Dennis Oli and Gary Mulligan were two that came on from the bench as the Gills threw more bodies forward as the match neared its conclusion .

The fact that they didn't get anywhere near back into the game was largely down to a fine performance from another Dagenham duo; Mark Arber and Magnus Okuonghae kicked and headed anything that came near them and Gillingham leading scorer hardly a kick before his withdrawal before the end.

Okuonghae could have had a goal himself heading over as the game became a bit of a battle with both sides giving nothing away in the tackle. Nicky Southall found Roberts with a free-kick while Mulligan shot wide. Meanwhile Benson had a great chance to add to his goal tally only to find the side-netting when sent through on goal.

Still described his teams performance as 'efficient' but was quick to heap the praise on his two strikers.

"The front two as we know are a handle for anyone. The interplay between the two and the finish was higher than the level. I'm so pleased that we're talking about playing the likes of Bradford and Gillingham and almost being disappointed that you hadn't done better. It was a very efficient performance today and I was delighted with them."

Att: 2,844 (1,104 Gillingham)