Daggers 1-2 Crystal Palace, Where Eagles Dare.

That's it, it's all over for Daggers. We've lost another pre-season game, this time against Premier League opposition and relegation looms. Except that isn't the case. Dagenham & Redbridge held their own superbly against a strong Crystal Palace side featuring Dwight Gayle, Kevin Phillips and Stephen Dobbie yesterday afternoon. Despite a late resurgence, the two goal lead Palace asserted was unassailable for Daggers who could only muster a late consolation via a Medy Elito penalty. Nonetheless it was a positive performance from the hosts who can take a lot from the game.

With the new season soon to be upon us, I have to tell you I'm not that confident. Why I'm not so sure. It's more of a gut feeling. But hopefully the three month break will have instilled something new into the player’s that changes my belief. In all honesty it's just nice to get back into the old routine. Into the clubhouse and through the turnstiles just in time for kick-off. Football is back.

Daggers started brightly, Jake Reed in particular looking good down the flanks with new signing Obafemi providing the forwards touch in the middle. Palace though weren't to be outdone and through Stephen Dobbie they carried a real threat. Despite the even start, it was the visitors that fashioned the first opportunity of the afternoon. The ball was fed through to trialist Atdhe Nuhui who rounded the 'keeper before seeing his shot cleared off the line by Daggers trialist Brian Saah. 

The pace of the game soon decreased which is to be expected in pre-season. But the decibel level was increased fifteen minutes in when Jake Reed had penalty appeals for a foul by Danny Gabbidon waved away. It may be pre-season, but the crowd didn't care. The sun continued to make intermittent appearances as Daggers pushed forward in search of the first goal. First new signing Obafemi fired wide before Luke Howell sliced one wide of the post.

The best chance of the half however, fell to Palace. After a scramble in the area the ball dropped to veteran Kevin Phillips who could only skew his effort over from close range. That miss sparked Palace into life and only good defensive work from Jack Conners and smart goalkeeping from Chris Lewington kept the Eagles at bay. Despite his best efforts to thwart Stephen Dobbie, Lewington could do nothing on 35 minutes when the unmarked Nuhiu slotted home into the corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

With that, Daggers were resurgent and kicked on in search of an equaliser. Medy Elito was playing down the middle and as such looked like more of a threat. It was he and Luke Howell that interchanged just before half time to force Julian Speroni into a terrific diving stop. Brian Saah then came close from a corner before Obafemi should have done better after being threaded through one on one by Ogogo.

With the first half coming to a close, it became apparent that there would be no Daggerettes to entertain us during the half time break...oh no.... Also, apparently we've served shepherd’s pie for years, yet I was not made aware of this? As the teams re-emerged for the second half in the blazing sunshine, there was inevitably a flurry of substitutions. 

Palace started the second half with a completely changed side which read as, Fitzsimons, Ramage, Moxey, Inniss, Taylor, Garvan, Grandin, Boateng, Sow, Wilbrahimovic and one, Dwight Gayle. That Gayle fella eh? Sure we've heard of him before. Daggers meanwhile replaced the impressive Jake Reed with trialist Zavon Hines who took to the wing like a duck to water.

The second half started evenly, although Gavin Hoyte was forced into a block early on to deny substitute Sow. Daggers looked inventive down the wings, with Hines in particular showing his intrepid nature. Even with the more positive attacking outlook, it was Palace who doubled their lead soon after the break. Obafemi brought down Quade Taylor just inside the box which gave Owen Garvan the chance to extend the scoreline. And he did just that to make it 2-0. 

Dwight Gayle was denied the chance to take the penalty by Garvan, and as such clearly wanted a goal of his own. Minutes after the penalty he nearly got it but for another brilliant save from the outstanding Chris Lewington. Then came another flurry of changes, with Sean Shields, Lloyd Macklin, Femi and Billy Bingham all introduced. They replaced Gavin Hoyte, Luke Howell, Afolabi Obafemi and Jack Conners. Femi replacing Femi certainly got a chuckle from me.

Zavon Hines proved to be the brightest spark in the Daggers attacking play after his introduction at the break. And with just over 60 minutes gone, his dazzling run down the left hand side brought a penalty when Quade Taylor, who won the penalty down the other end, bundled Hines over. I say "bundled", if this was a competitive game, Palace would have been furious with the award. Nevertheless Elito continued his 100% record from the spot, narrowly sending the ball beyond Fitzsimons to make it 2-1. 

Daggers then introduced another contingent of players, with Jordan Seabright, Ian Gayle & Brian Woodall coming on for Chris Lewington, Scott Doe & Rhys Murphy. Despite Ian Gayle's introduction, it was his namesake Dwight that continued to cause problems for the Daggers defence. His movement and skill opened up space to get a shot away that Seabright held onto well to ensure the hosts remained in the contest. 

Even with the deficit remaining at one, Daggers were unable to find a way back into the match. Despite late pressure, several corners and a dangerous free-kick, the Palace defence remained sturdy to ensure an inaugural pre-season victory ahead of their Premier League campaign. On the whole a good test for both sides, and on the balance of play probably the correct result.

In the wake of the game I have to admit I was anticipating a hard slog of a season, with my gut feeling sending us spiralling towards the Conference. I hate to judge on friendly games, but by the 90th minute my opinion had changed somewhat. I became quietly optimistic, cautiously impressed and dangerously happy. We zipped the ball around well, created space and caused problems for the Palace defence.

We looked encouraging, even if it is pre-season. We certainly passed the ball more confidently than I've seen in some time; it looks as though Burnett is succeeding in instilling his philosophy into the players. And that's something that is vital. If we want to succeed, they have to buy in to what he's trying to sell. As do we. At the moment I think we're all on board. It may be pre-season but the early signs are encouraging.

Lewington

Individually we also look as though we've improved. Chris Lewington turned in a terrific performance between the sticks and his replacement Jordan Seabright fared just as well. Brian Saah and Scott Doe were solid whilst the inexperienced Jack Conners played years beyond his level to show a possible challenge to Femi this season. Gavin Hoyte and Abu Ogogo were as confident as ever, whilst even Medy looked positive through the middle. A position where many have wanted him for quite some time.

Going forward we lacked bite, but hopefully that'll be rectified soon. Afolabi Obafemi worked himself into good positions and Jake Reed gave it 110% as we all know he can. Rhys Murphy looked good whilst Sean Shields looked exciting when introduced. The real star however was Zavon Hines. His trickery, pace and flair lit up the wings and he proved a real menace to both full backs when introduced. Providing he doesn't turn out to be a pre-season Tomlin, I'd be absolutely over the moon if we sign him.

As for Palace, a far from vintage performance but that doesn't matter, it's pre-season after all! Nuhiu looks like a smart acquisition if possible, whilst Dwight Gayle looks like he's worth every penny the Eagles have spent on him. A few more editions including Campana who signed last week and I think they'll make a real fist of staying up in the Prem this season. With Speroni in the sticks, they've got a real fighting chance.

It's not long to go now for us, only two more weeks and the league season starts once more at Fleetwood Town. Next up however is another home friendly on Tuesday night, this time against Charlton Athletic. Kick-off is at 19:45 and I hope to see you all there!

Remember, you can follow my musings on Twitter at @NickMurphyDRFC. Or if you're a Palace fan you can read my Blog on Dwight Gayle by clicking here.

Dwight Gayle, From Stansted to Selhurst.

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago a young and inexperienced forward was returning from a loan spell at Bishops Stortford to join up with the Dagenham & Redbridge squad for pre season training. Fast forward a year and that same striker has joined Premier League new boys Crystal Palace, something that seemed inexplicable twelve months ago. From Stansted to Selhurst Park, it's fair to say Dwight Gayle's career has really taken off. 

Just under a year ago, I wrote an article on Dwight stating his qualities and just how far I thought he could go. But to complete such a remarkable rise in such a short space of time has confounded even I. His rise has been notable. After being released as a kid from Arsenal for being too short, Gayle soon joined Stansted where he scored an astonishing 57 goals in a single season. This prompted interest from several league clubs. First to act however were Dagenham & Redbridge. With a rich history of bringing through rough unpolished gems, this would prove to be the perfect place for Dwight to begin his professional career.

Unfortunately due to budgetary constraints at the Daggers, Gayle was forced to spend his first season out on loan at Blue Square North outfit, Bishops Stortford. Scoring 29 goals in 42 league games, Gayle continued to impress, prompting calls from the assistant manager at Stortford that Gayle could possibly eclipse the feats of Steve Morison. Scoring a hat-trick in his final game, a 4-0 win over Eastwood Town, Gayle returned to Essex as Stortford's record goalscorer, netting 42 times in total throughout the season.

The bar was now set for Gayle, with the only question being whether he could transfer his non-league form into the Football League. Having played best in a 4-3-3 formation out on loan, Daggers adhered to what suited Dwight best and true to form he shone. His pace and trickery caused problems for opposition defences from the word go, leaving established centre halves on the spot as he breezed past to cement himself as one of the divisions most dangerous attackers.

He became the focal point of the Daggers attack. His quick feet and ability to draw defenders in created valuable space for others to pick away at defences. His shrewdness in the box meant players were forced to tackle him, bringing penalties and ultimately goals. He is best described as a talisman. And when you have that sort of player in your team, you're onto a winner. In 18 appearances for the lower mid table outfit, he scored 7 goals - which isn't a bad return.

A lot of credit has to go to John Still and his scouting team for picking Dwight out. Where others were sniffing around him, John and the team acted and it proved pivotal. Despite Stilly no longer being with the club, this could yet prove to be the most shrewd piece of business we've ever done. He nurtured Gayle in his time here and hopefully the pint-sized forward will always remember his first Football League club, because we'll always remember him. It's testament to John that his setup has found one of the best young talents in English football.

In late November, Gayle was in demand. Interest from several clubs higher in the pyramid was rumoured to have materialised, but Peterborough United were the only ones to show significant and prolonged interest. There's a long history of deals between the two clubs, so it came as no surprise when Gayle signed on loan with a view to a permanent move. And in-keeping with his previous three clubs, he proved an instant hit.

Scoring in six consecutive games soon after his move, Gayle helped lift Peterborough away from the relegation zone. One performance in particular at runaway league leaders Cardiff where Posh won 2-1 summed Gayle up. His intrepidness, skill and pace was showcased on an unprecedented scale. At the unbeaten home of the champions elect, Gayle tore them apart. He showed no disdain for who they were. No pity, just malice, leaving the Bluebirds in awe of his striking capabilities.

Despite a lull in goalscoring form during the first two months of 2013, Gayle remained key as Posh continued their fight against relegation. He returned to notoriety however in March. A 16 minute hat-trick in the first half at Ewood Park against Blackburn catapulted Gayle into the limelight once more. People were now beginning to stand up and take note of the former Essex Senior League striker as his stock continued to rise.

His talismanic displays continued. When he wasn't scoring, he was providing constant problems for opposition defences. In total he scored 13 goals in 28 appearances for the London Road outfit, but even that wasn't enough to keep them up. Ironically it was his foul on Jonathan Williams of Crystal Palace that led to the goal that ultimately sent Posh down to League One and catapulted the Eagles up into the Play Offs. 

It's weird how coincidences like that work in football. But it's even weirder to think that this time last season we were all speculating on a player that had scored 99 goals in the non-league. No-one thought he'd end up in the Premier League 12 months on. And no-one thought that he'd be worth a solid £6 million, the figure being quoted by The Peterborough Telegraph last Friday afternoon.

But whatever the price, it shouldn't be a burden on Gayle. He's been fantastic for the past three years and a move to the Premier League will only enhance his credentials. With main striker Glenn Murray out for the best part of seven months for Palace, the stage is set for Gayle to showcase his extraordinary array of talents. With his quick pace and predatory instincts, he reminds me and others I've spoken to of a young Jermaine Defoe.

His rise is more than that though. His rise shows that there are some fantastic gems hidden in the non-league. And that the big boys don't always get it right. Released from Arsenal as a junior, Gayle could turn up at the Gunners next season and show Arsene Wenger what he's been missing for the past few years. Players like Gayle show that you don't need to go abroad for talent. If you search hard enough, you'll find someone just as hungry with bundles more potential in the lower reaches of English football.

There's no question he'll have to up his game in the Premier League. But I have no doubt that he'll manage to do that and then some. He's fearless, young and raring to take a hold of a chance that at one stage seemed a million miles away. But more than that, he's an all round striker. He has pace and trickery, complimented by the strength which isn't always evident in the smaller calibre of player. But most of all he has determination, and that will take him far.

For my club it means much more than that. We now have a significant amount of money that will act to keep the club afloat. It ensures that we don’t have to sell another one of our players to keep the wolves from the door. But also, it gives us the pride of saying we produced that player. We can say we’ve seen him score goals for our club, and that’s a wonderful thing.

Having conquered the non-league and the Football League, it's just the Premier League and the International stage to go now for Gayle. If his development continues at such a rapid rate, he could confound us all. It was a pleasure watching Gayle in his short time at Victoria Road, and I sincerely hope he goes on and has a wonderful career in the game. Ironically enough we will see him again in a pre-season game against Palace at Victoria Road next month. I can’t wait for that and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young forward.