Dagenham and Redbridge got their first home win of the season against ten men York City. John Passley was the hero, leaving the Daggers seven points a drift of safety, as Youcef Dahmani reports.
“Belief” is all what John Still wants from his team after the Daggers managed a home victory. The East Londoners had failed in their 20 previous attempts in all competitions.
Still made no changes to his side keeping the same line-up which started in the 0-0 midweek draw against Notts County. Jamie Cureton was not in the squad due to illness and ex-captain, Andre Boucaud, was left out once again.
It was a bright first half from the East London side. Joss Labadie took advantage of a defensive error and also saw a free kick just miss the target.
Ashley Chambers was put through on goal, but he was unable to control the ball.
Tiki-Taka
The Daggers had a brief spell with some Barcelona-esque play, completing nine consecutive passes. However, Oliver Muldoon’s shot was blocked, ended the brief phase of tiki-taka style of play.
The second half started as the first finished, with the Daggers on top. Labadie showed good strength and vision by playing Passley down the right hand side, however his cross was comfortably dealt with.
From the resulting corner York gifted Dagenham a penalty. Chris Doidge’s header was handled on the line by York skipper Russell Penn.
Penn was dismissed and up stepped captain Labadie. The Englishman saw his effort saved down to the keeper’s right.
In the 78th minute Passley finally broke the deadlock.
Ashley Hemmings broke down the left hand side to whip a low ball in, which Passley directed past the keeper to secure a home victory at last.
Belief
Still told BBC Radio London following the victory: “It’s just that little bit of belief.
“We well deserved to win”.
The delighted manager added:
“We’ve got a lot of tough games to go, but it’s a win that now hopefully gives us a little bit of belief.”
Dagenham face promotion chasing Carlisle United on Tuesday night at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. The visitors have only won once in their last six away games, with Dagenham hoping to build on their first home victory since April 2015.
The Daggers lie seven points from safety, having played two more games than Hartlepool, who sit just above the relegation zone.