The Daggers failed to spring any surprises on promotion-chasing Oxford United, writes Simon Eaves.
Dagenham lost 4-0 away at Oxford United as Kemar Roofe scored a hat-trick, taking his tally to 25 for the season.
Alex MacDonald connected with substitute Danny Hylton’s cross to complete the rout, as Dagenham fell nine points away from safety. The Daggers have played a game more than 22nd-placed Hartlepool.
The visitors made four changes to their side following Saturday’s loss against relegation rivals Hartlepool. Joss Labadie, Ashley Chambers, Dom Hyam and Oliver Hawkins all came into the starting line up.
There was a place in the matchday squad for newly signed Quade Taylor, who has joined on loan until the end of the season from Championship side Bolton Wanderers.
Pressure
Roofe opened the scoring in the 15th minute. The midfielder latched onto a ball from Alex MacDonald before slotting the ball easily passed Liam O’Brien.
It was a busy half for O’Brien as Oxford piled on the pressure throughout. The only real chance for the Daggers came from Passley, whose effort was saved by Benji Buchel.
Former West Brom man Roofe then doubled The U’s lead in the 50th minute. George Waring slotted a neat pass through the Daggers defence to send Roofe running clear before poking the ball past O’Brien.
Matty Cash had a chance to pull a goal back for the Daggers after a glimpse of skill in the box. However, his effort was dealt with by Buchel in The U’s goal.
Veteran striker, Jamie Cureton, was brought into the action by Daggers manager John Still. Cureton had an effort from just inside the 18-yard box, however his effort went over the bar.
Danny Hylton then ran onto a ball from Callum O’Dowda, however his effort was smashed against the bar.
Hylton then turned provider. The substitute’s cross was met by MacDonald, whose header beat the helpless O’Brien.
Roofe completed his hat trick in the 85th minute after connecting with a Hylton flick on to slot the ball easily into the net.
This was a perfect response for The U’s who lost at home against Leyton Orient on Saturday. For Dagenham, they edge close to relegation.