The Daggers were outstanding in their Puma Alliance clash away to local rivals Southend United on Saturday at a chilly Boots and Laces.

The reds went in to the game as the only team to take any points off Southend this season. Lee Goodwin named the same eleven from last weeks home draw to Leyton Orient.

 

In a well contested opening third, Southend had the first effort which brought a good save from Ryan Burbridge. Four minutes later Cassius had an effort which was saved.

 

The best effort of the half came from Alfie Wren. His 30 yard free kick brought an outstanding save from the home keeper. On 33 minutes  there was an unfortunate five minute delay, when two Southend midfielders clashed heads, attempting to beat Ricky Reid to the ball.

 

Dagenham came out for the second half even more determined and had a succession of dangerous 'Wren corners', which caused problems for Southend. On 55 minutes they were rewarded, another left footed corner from Wren went straight in from the corner, despite Southend appeals that the ball had not crossed the line, the assistant referee on the far side was in no doubt and awarded the goal.

 

Two minutes later the hardworking Reid almost made it 2 when his header from a Michael Amponsah's cross went just over the bar.

 

On 60 minutes, Southend were back on levels terms, when a right wing cross was not cleared and Craig Calver shot low to Burbridge's right hand post. Southend, for the following ten minutes, dominated and struck the bar on 62 minutes.

 

Both sides continued look for the winner, but both defences stood firm. James Norcott's 89th minute effort nearly won the game.

 

After the game, a delighted Manager, Lee Goodwin commented that "The team were outstanding and it was possibly the best performance of the season. It's a game we should have won."

 

Team: Burbridge, Norcott, Wren, Adams, Cooper, Wootton (Pike 87 mins), Pooley (Demetriou 63 mins), Hurlock(c), Reid, Amponsah, Cassius (Hogarth 75mins). Subs unused: Cuthbert and Durrell.

Next Saturday, the team travel again, this time to Gillingham 10.30am kick off. The Daggers look to avenge, after conceding a last minute goal at home in November.