The East London side have picked up just one win in their last eight, culminating in a frustrating 0-2 defeat at home to Gateshead on Saturday at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Match Thoughts
Speaking after the match, Harris explained that it remains business as usual for the Daggers after a second consecutive defeat:
“We can regain momentum just by working hard. By going back on the training field on Monday, doing everything that we’ve been doing from the start of the season when we were on that bad run, and when we went on that good run nothing changed – we didn’t do anything differently, and we won’t do anything differently now. Back to work on Monday to prepare as best we can for Sutton next Saturday.”
Unfortunate Decisions
The key moment of the match came in the 41st minute when Gateshead were awarded a penalty after Manny Onariase was adjudged to have held Mike Williamson at a corner. The contentious decision saw the Daggers staff seething on the touchline, but Harris refused to criticise the match officials:
“I’m not backing him (the referee) up, but I understand that referees have a hard job to do. Over the course of a season maybe some results or decisions have gone for us, and today I don’t think the decisions went for us. I thought it (the penalty) was very harsh, but he gave it, so I’ve got no problems.”
Chances Astray
The Daggers created a number of clear-cut chances and despite going down 0-2 were given a route back into the match with a 70th minute penalty. Top scorer Conor Wilkinson stepped up only to see his effort saved by Aynsley Pears in the Gateshead net, punctuating a frustrating afternoon for the forward.
“I think it was just one of those days for Conor. It just didn’t happen for him. Just an overall disappointing day” Harris commented, when questioned on the striker’s performance.
Contract Speculation
Unconfirmed reports around the club have said that longer-term contracts could be in the works for the Daggers coaching staff, but Harris was unwilling to comment on such speculation.
“I don’t know. I don’t know about that (new contracts).” Harris continued jokingly: “I’m not too sure after today. I’m not booking my holidays yet.”
Up Next
After falling to promotion challengers Wrexham and Gateshead over the last two matches, the fixtures hardly get any easier for Taylor’s men, who face seventh-place Sutton United at home next week.
“They’re all tough. I know they (Sutton) got beat at home today, but every time we play Sutton you know what you’re going to get from Paul Doswell’s team.”
Dagenham face Sutton United on Saturday 23rd February at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
- Picture by kind permission of Dagenham & Redbridge.
