Daggers 2-0 York City, Minstermeat.

After two successive defeats to open the season, Dagenham & Redbridge finally got their league campaign up and running yesterday with an assured 2-0 victory over York City. Rhys Murphy and Brian Woodall bagged the goals for the Daggers who pick up their first three point haul at Victoria Road since last February's encounter against Cheltenham Town. More importantly it was also Wayne Burnett's first home victory as Daggers boss, marking the end of his home hoodoo as manager. 

Ahead of the game I have to admit I wasn't particularly optimistic. To be more accurate, I assumed that like last season’s home meeting with York, we would lose by the odd goal in a tight affair. But still, if we were to perform as we had done against Brentford on Tuesday night, we stood more than a fighting chance of taking not just one, but three points from the travelling Minstermen.

Having had a quick couple of ciders in the clubhouse, we headed down, out and through the turnstiles to be greeted by the evergreen Victoria Road pitch for the first time this season. The foxholes that had been exposed scandalously on "92 Live" had been covered for the opening game, and we were ready to go. The teams emerged from the tunnel and were announced over the tannoy as follows...

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington, Femi, Doe, Saah, Hoyte, Howell, Ogogo, Elito, Scott, Murphy, Woodall. Subs: Seabright, Connors, Afolabi, Bingham, Reed, Shields, Dennis.

Wayne Burnett made a single change from the Tuesday night league cup defeat at Brentford, bringing in Brian Woodall up front for Jake Reed. It ensured Daggers lined up with a front three packed with vibrancy, and hopefully with goals.

York City: Ingham, Oyebanjo, Davies, Smith, McGurk, Coulson, Chambers, Montrose, Platt, Jarvis, Cresswell.

With the teams announced and everyone in place, the pre-match pleasantries completed the referee blew his whistle to get the contest underway.

After an initial slow start, Daggers slowly imposed their authority on proceedings ten minutes in. First Josh Scott skewed a tame shot wide of the post, whilst Medy Elito was soon stopped in his tracks down the left hand side. The hosts failed to make their early advantage count, allowing their opponents back into the game with a string of crosses that were defended well by the Daggers defence. 

York continued their assault on the Daggers goal as we reached the twenty minute mark, with Abu Ogogo's goalline clearance the only barrier denying the visitors from taking the lead. Scott Doe and Brian Saah had to be at their sharpest to deny Richard Cresswell going forward as Nigel Worthington's side sought reward for their hard work. Chris Lewington was soon on guard to deny an Oyebanjo header, whilst another strike from Cresswell was dealt with well by the home defence.

Despite the fervent York pressure, it was the hosts who came closest as the half wore on. Brian Woodall in particular got pulses racing with two spectacular efforts. The first drifted tamely wide of the post, but the second was mesmeric. After receiving the ball on the left hand side, Woodall took a single touch before turning and firing a rasping effort over Michael Ingham and onto the roof of the net. Had it gone in, it would have been real Van Basten stuff.

But Daggers did take the lead soon after. A hopeful punt downfield by Gavin Hoyte was met by Brian Woodall, who, after a smart turn laid the ball through to the onrushing Rhys Murphy. The Irishman who netted last week at Fleetwood rounded Michael Ingham before slotting home coolly into the back of the net. That's how you do it Daggers! It all seems so simple when you give the ball to a Murphy, doesn't it?

The half ended in much the same way as it had begun, with a midfield tussle cancelling out both sides' creative input. Medy Elito offered a significant threat for the hosts, while Chris Lewington had to remain vigilant to deny David McGurk's goalbound effort on the stroke of half time. But sure enough after a minute of additional play, the referee drew a close to the first half with Daggers leading by a goal to nil.

After an uneventful half time period, the action was soon back underway with Michael Coulson firing a shot inches wide of the post for the visitors. Despite early pressure from York, it was the hosts who forced the first save of the second period. After good play down the left Medy Elito cut in and drew an assured stop from Ingham, before Femi predictably sliced the follow up strike into the advertising hoardings. 

With it becoming evident his York side were lacking going forward, Nigel Worthington acted to make a change on 60 minutes. It was a like for like swap in midfield, with Craig Clay replacing Lewis Montrose as the Minstermen went in search of the creative input they dearly lacked. Unfortunately it only worked to fire the Daggers up even more, with Brian Woodall going close soon after with another shapshot on the edge of the box.

Wes Fletcher was then introduced for Ashley Chambers as York continued to hunt down that elusive equaliser. Again it only served to give Daggers the initiative, this time Medy Elito curled a shot just wide of the post. The York pressure soon subsided, giving the hosts the chance to put the game out of sight. And but for Scotsman, Michael Ingham tipping Rhys Murphy's effort wide of the post they would have done just that.

Daggers then made a change of their own, with Billy Bingham replacing Luke Howell in midfield. Directly after the change, Daggers extended their lead. Medy Elito took control on the left before picking out Brian Woodall with a sublime ball across the park. Upon receiving the pass, Woodall took a single touch to beat his man before toe-poking home the finish off of the post and into the back of the net. Cue celebrations in the Sieve and a somersault from an exuberant Woodall, his first goal since January.

The goal from Woodall effectively sealed the contest, yet there was still time for substitute Afolabi Obafemi to blast over from five yards out – a gilt edge chance for the youngster. Nevertheless it's a much needed win for Daggers, and a win that has ended Wayne Burnett's home jinx in the process. The victory lifts the Essex outfit up to 12th in the standings after two games, whisper it quietly but we're only a point from the play-offs (too soon for optimism, eh?)

Still, there were plenty of positives to take from the victory. The most poignant perhaps was the performance of Medy Elito. It's a new season with a relatively new manager and he seems like a new player. He took players on, got past them and managed to get opposition players booked - as a winger that's what he should be doing. He looks rejuvenated under Burnett, long may it continue.

The front three performed very well, it seems clear they already have that sort of striking bond you need if a team is to be successful. Rhys Murphy in particular looks like a terrific signing; meanwhile it's evident that Brian Woodall has his confidence back.

So after that victory we now move on to Saturday, where we make our first ever trip to Glanford Park in our first ever meeting with Scunthorpe United. I shall be there to witness this no doubt historic occasion, so make sure you read my musings on Monday! Until then, have a great week and remember to follow me on Twitter, @NickMurphyDRFC.

Daggers 0-1 York City, Survival Saturday.

And so after 45 games, it came down to a single 90 minutes. Aldershot Town, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet, Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United, York City and of course, Dagenham & Redbridge were all still in the mix come 15:00 Saturday afternoon. It would be 90 minutes of agony, 90 minutes of anxiousness and maybe, just maybe 90 minutes of ecstasy. But overall it would be an experience and one that no supporter of the above mentioned clubs will ever forget.

In the clubhouse before the match there was a mix of optimism and pessimism as you may expect. With so many permutations, the situation was almost impossible to predict. A win, a draw or a defeat could have seen us safe dependent on other results. The two crucial games beside our own were AFC Wimbledon vs Fleetwood and Northampton vs Barnet. The Wombles had to win such was there inferior goal difference, whilst a draw would do for Barnet providing Daggers were defeated at home to York.

After a quick cider we waded through the packed hall back into the light of the outside before heading through the turnstiles. It's a very unusual sight seeing queues outside the turnstiles, but a welcome one nonetheless. After heading through it was clear we would have a bumper attendance, with 20 minutes until kick off there was little room to manoeuvre in the Sieve, whilst the Bury Road End was packed to the non-existent rafters. 

At the other end the Traditional Builders Stand was full to the brim with 1200 passionate York fans roaring on their team to survival. Only an extreme set of results would see the Minstermen relegated and as such the travelling supporters were in a vibrant and cheerful mood. With several upbeat songs playing over the tannoy, the teams were soon announced.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Seabright, Ogogo, Doe, Wilkinson, Femi, Elito, Maher, Howell, Bingham, Ogogo, Scott, Woodall. Subs: Lewington, Fortune, Saunders, Reed, Strevens, Shariff, Hoyte.

Wayne Burnett continued with his chop and change philosophy by making three changes from the side that was so callously defeated last weekend at Aldershot. Jordan Seabright returned in place of the not fully fit Chris Lewington, whilst Medy Elito and Brian Woodall were restored to the side in place of Matt Saunders and Jake Reed. It meant that the ideal strike partnership of Brian Woodall and Josh Scott would get a chance to flourish in the most important game in Daggers history.

York City: Ingham, Oyebanjo, Smith, McGurk, Parslow, O'Connell, Blair, Platt, Reed, Walker, Chambers. Subs: Jameson, Fyfield, Challinor, McLaughlin, Allen, Reed, Coulson.

With the atmosphere and tension building, the teams emerged from the tunnel to be greeted by 3800 passionate supporters. Daggers fans had heeded the call to, "Pack the Vic" and as such one of the best atmospheres in quite some time was created in the Sieve. The players applauded the three sides of the ground for the final time this season before getting set up for York City to kick the game off.

With the clock at 15:02, the most important game in Dagenham & Redbridge's short history had begun. Almost instantly phones were being checked to find out the scores from around the grounds. The match at Victoria Road started slowly, with only the linesman's offside flag prevented York from taking an early lead through Ashley Chambers. Daggers soon claimed dominance and looked threatening on the break, only the covering York defender denying Josh Scott a clear run through on goal.

News then came through from Spotland that Plymouth defender Max Blanchard had seen red, something that could potentially help Daggers if Dale could take the lead. Back at Victoria Road and the hosts came close once more soon after, with Brian Woodall heading Medy Elito's whipped delivery wide of the post. 

Chances soon began to be few and far between, with both sides entangled in a battle in the middle of the park. Femi looked to be at his peak and but for an exaggerated touch would have been through into the box. As the game reached its quarter mark, it became more stretched allowing for opportunities for both sides. Luke Howell's free kick was dealt with well by the York defence before up the other end Ashley Chambers' driven delivery evaded everyone, including the York front line.

Bingham

Meanwhile at Plainmoor, luck seemed to be in Daggers' favour as Bristol Rovers took the lead against Torquay United. With current results that would see Wayne Burnett's side up one place above the Gulls in the League Two table. Dagenham continued to look the more dangerous as the half wore on with Billy Bingham's goal-bound strike superbly blocked by David McGurk. 

With the first half coming to an end, there was a final chance for Daggers after Matty Blair fouled Medy Elito just outside the area. Brian Woodall was the sole man over the ball and his dipping strike bounced agonisingly off the post before going out for a goal kick. Cries of "ooh's" and "aah's" could be heard from supporters in the Sieve who thought the sweetly struck strike was in. 

That was the final action of a tense first half and it was a scoreline that coupled with other results, would have seen Daggers safe. With the only goal at the bottom of the table coming for Bristol Rovers against Torquay, it was essentially, "as you were" in the search for survival. Nevertheless it remained tense around Victoria Road with both sets of supporters knowing a single goal could change the whole complexion at the bottom of the table. That was coupled with anxiety and anger that the Barnet game had kicked off five minutes late for the second weekend running.

After the Daggerettes had finished their routine, the teams re-emerged onto the pitch. Daggers would be facing the Bury Road End whilst York would be firing towards their own fans in the Traditional Builders Stand. The second half began in much the same style as how the first had ended, with Daggers on the front foot. Luke Wilkinson's tame header was gathered well by Ingham before the Scotsman had to be at his best to deny Woodall's 25 yard effort minutes later.

From the resulting corner Woodall had the best chance of the game so far to put the hosts in front. With the ball bobbling in the box, it fell perfectly for the former Gresley man on the turn but he snatched at his shot, sending the ball wildly over the bar and out for a goal kick - much to the frustration of Daggers fans. 

Then in similar fashion to last weekend's defeat, the Daggers allowed their opponents more time and space on the ball to pressure the defence. That was coupled with potentially disastrous news from Kingesmeadow, where Gary Alexander had given AFC Wimbledon the lead. Agony soon turned into relief minutes later when it emerged that Fleetwood had found a quick equaliser through Andy Mangan. Meanwhile at Plainmoor the score was now 2-2 which would ensure safety for Torquay United.

Back at Victoria Road and York were becoming gradually more dominant. The Daggers midfield seemed to lack urgency and where everything clicked in the first half, it seemed far too disjointed now.

York City Fans
(@SamBrownAFC)

But with 68 minutes gone, Chris Smith put Football League survival on a knife edge. Michael Ingham's punted free kick found Smith in the box who after taking a second to steady himself slotted the ball through the legs of Jordan Seabright to the delight of the 1159 travelling supporters. The Traditional Builders stand roared whilst the Sieve stood silent, if ever there was a contrast to be made - that was it.

After seconds of staring blankly into the distance, several supporters shouted cries of encouragement as the Sieve got back on their feet to reunite and cheer on the team. That's what a relegation battle does to you; it releases emotion that wouldn't otherwise be there in other games this season. As it stood we were still safe, but only just.

Then came the news that we'd all been dreading. AFC Wimbledon had re-taken the lead through Jack Midson which meant Daggers slipped even closer to the relegation zone. People looked despairingly at their phones, hoping it was a mistake - but it wasn't. In a similar fashion to Aldershot last weekend, the atmosphere turned eerie. We all feared a situation like this, and now our hopes rested on Northampton finding a goal against Barnet.

As a result of Barnet kicking off late which I was rather dubious about, it distorted the relegation picture. Amongst cries of happiness in the Sieve we soon learned that Northampton had taken the lead at Sixfields which meant we moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of Bees. Jubilation followed, although with a slender one goal lead we were all aware that the picture could soon change.

The volume was soon cranked up a notch with the introduction of Jake Reed for Medy Elito as Daggers pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Cheers erupted once more as news came through that Northampton had doubled their lead against Barnet. It meant that for Daggers to go down, Barnet would have to find two goals against one of the meanest home defences in League Two.

Daggers continued to push forward and looked at their most threatening through Brian Woodall. First the rejuvenated frontman had his effort blocked before Billy Bingham's narrow drive was deflected wide for a corner following Woodall's pin point pass. With the game reaching its climax, even the players began to show nerves, with Billy Bingham asking one supporter for the score at Sixfields. 

With time running out at all of the grounds, Rochdale took the lead against Plymouth to leave Pilgrims fans on edge. Torquay were now 3-2 up as well which virtually guaranteed Alan Knill's side safety. With all the scores coming in it was even more frustrating that Daggers were unable to find an equaliser. The hosts were limited to long range efforts and really failed to exploit the wings enough, especially down the left where Femi had looked so dangerous in the first half.

Woodall's Effort Was Saved By Ingham

The clock ticked over and we went into injury time for the final time this season. With three minutes on the board, Daggers fans let out an almighty roar to drive the team forward. And it nearly worked. First the ball fell to Howell whose rocket shot was somehow palmed away by Ingham before the 'keeper got up to deny Brian Woodall's half volley on the follow up. It was spectacular stuff from Ingham who had cemented his man of the match award.

It was now corner after failed corner for the hosts who were unable to find an equaliser. The referee soon blew his whistle to the triumphant cheers of the York fans. But Daggers were left in purgatory - a state of not knowing. Even with Northampton's two goal lead, with Barnet you just never know. The most nervous five minutes of our lives ensued, with tension building, the first scream and the first cheer came through. We had done it. We had survived on the final day. Barnet were relegated into the Conference amidst manic celebrations in the Sieve.

A sense of relief swept around the supporters that remained in the ground. If you listened close enough, you could probably even hear the cheers from the dressing room. What's more is we had done it by just five goals - which is ridiculous. For relegation to be decided by five goals is unbelievably cruel, moreover it shows the importance of having a goalscorer for the first part of the season when we were at our best.

The players soon came back out to do their customary lap of the pitch, with Wayne Burnett high-fiving supporters and praising them for their support. When the team were near the dugouts and surrounded by the stewards, the club made the unusual step of allowing fans onto the pitch. It allowed for that community club atmosphere as the 500 or so remaining fans descended towards the other side of the pitch where the player of the season presentation was taking place.

Wayne Burnett's speech was then cut short as the microphone decided to stop working. Still, it was a nice touch from the club to allow supporters onto the pitch. No one tried to tear down the goalposts, although several attempted to re-enact goals from years gone by. With the Great Escape playing, we headed out of the turnstiles for the last time this season...and straight into the clubhouse. Well, what else are you going to do? 

With the upstairs bar understandably packed, we headed down to the hall to celebrate before the supporter’s club player of the season presentation. Unfortunately, I didn't make it that far. Drinking eight ciders when you've only had breakfast is not a healthy combination, and as a result I may have been slightly (very) drunk. I woke up back home this morning though, which was a result of sorts. Still, it was a terrific day and a terrific evening.

Upon reflection, I think it's fair to say we were rather lucky to stay up, by five goals - I really can't emphasise that enough. We desperately need our home form to improve next season, but we've got the best part of three months to improve on that. Not only that, but hopefully Wayne Burnett gets the job on a full time basis. Aside from being a top bloke off the pitch, he has the belief to "transform" us into a easier on the eye side for some of our supporters. You can't truly judge a manager on a squad they've inherited and two months work. The slate is now wiped clean and we begin again in August with fresh ideas, a new permanent manager and renewed optimism.

As for York, I'm glad they stayed up. Despite it being a more Northern league next year, they have fantastic supporters and a great ground which I'm looking forward to going back to next

season. From what I heard yesterday their supporters were friendly at the end of the game as well, so best of luck to them over the Summer and into next season!

With us there are some positives to take despite our finishing position. Several players have really shone this season, most notably Luke Howell and Luke Wilkinson amongst others. And again, surprisingly enough our defence has been a strong point this year. In only five games have we lost by two or more goals, but we desperately need to improve when we go behind. 

I for one cannot wait to report on our first game back and hopefully unlike a lot I've done this season, we start with a win. There will be several specials over the Summer including a player review, a season review and hopefully an interview with one or two connected with the club. Until my next post, enjoy yourself and never stop looking at that League Two table - because it's truly something to behold.

Remember you can follow my Summer musings on Twitter by following, @NickMurphyDRFC.

York City 3-2 Daggers, Wilko Is Not Enough

York is a historic city.

Bootham Crescent had proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Daggers before this game, with the away side being undefeated at the home of York. Unfortunately though, that streak ended yesterday afternoon as Dagenham & Redbridge slumped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat, to hand the Minstermen a first victory in four matches, and a deserved one at that.

The 2006 clash with York at Bootham Crescent is actually one of my earliest Daggers memories, listening to us turn up an hour late on the radio, only to come away with a 3-2 win, so I'd been looking forward to this game since the fixtures were released. The travelling started early as you may expect, meeting at Chadwell Heath for 8:15 before journeying to Kings Cross where our 10am train to Aberdeen (via York) was waiting. 

Following a quiet two hour journey up, we arrived in York dead on 12pm. We then decided to head for the ground and more specifically the clubhouse to watch the Spurs vs Chelsea game. A good two hours or so were spent in there, and I can confirm that York probably have the cheapest clubhouse in the world, only charging 80p for a good sized sausage roll! As the clubhouse got busier and busier we headed towards the turnstiles that looked reminiscent of the outside of a prison. 

Grosvenor Road Terrace

After heading through we were greeted with an old fashioned sort of a ground that I quite liked. With half of the stadium being seated and the other half as terracing, it had a good mix. We were allocated the Grosvenor Road end which is uncovered terracing that was quite nice considering it wasn't raining. As a result of the ground, York is one of the few clubs that I could imagine myself supporting as it's not too dissimilar to our own - although it does have a larger capacity.

As the stadium began to fill up, the teams were announced as follows...

York City: Ingham, Smith, Parslow, Fyfield, Carlisle, Kerr, Blair, Kearns, Walker, Chambers, Coulson. Subs: Musselwhite, Blanchett, McGurk, Smith, Challinor, McLaughlin, Reed.

Gary Mills opted to make two changes from the side that drew at Bradford City last weekend, with Daniel Parslow and the clubs top scorer, Michael Coulson both returning to the starting line up. They replaced Jon Challinor and Jamie Reed who were both dropped to the bench; they were joined by Danny Blanchett who made a return to the 18. 

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington, Ogogo, Doe, Wilkinson, Femi, Howell, Saunders, Spillane, Elito, Gayle, Williams. Subs: Seabright, Currie, Reed, Hoyte, Green, Maher, Woodall.

The Daggers named an unchanged side from the one that defeated Chesterfield so impressively last weekend, whilst Billy Bingham remained sidelined. A familiar face in Darren Currie was also present on the bench for the first time in a good year and a half - something that is potentially worrying where squad depth is concerned.

The teams duly came out to a good round of applause whilst I attempted to have my second sausage roll of the day without getting the crumbs everywhere. The pre match rituals were complete and, rather annoyingly the sides swapped ends. This meant that Daggers would be attacking us in the first half, whilst York would be facing the David Longhurst terrace. The referee finally blew his whistle and we were underway.

The game began as a scrappy affair, with Luke Wilkinson's header wide of the post the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes of the match. The game continued in the same fashion for the ensuing quarter of an hour, with neither side able to establish a foothold in the encounter. Ashley Chambers had the home side's first, half chance, but Lewington came out well to smother the danger.

Lewington forced into action

Minutes later and it was Lewington against Chambers once more, this time though the latter got the better of the former. The ball was played to Chambers on the edge of the box before he advanced inside, tricked Luke Wilkinson and curled a well placed right footed shot beyond Lewington and into the far corner. An unhappy Lewington was left berating his defence as Chambers wheeled off in celebration.

Within minutes of the York goal, Dagenham & Redbridge were back on level terms. Matt Saunders whipped in a delightful corner that found the head of Luke Wilkinson who was on hand to thunder home his second headed goal of the season. There was almost a sense of disbelief amongst the 125 Daggers fans at how quick we had broken back - after a poor opening we couldn't afford to fall behind once more following the equaliser.

Ingham was tested.
www.yorkpress.co.uk

The game continued to frustrate both sets of supporters, with the majority of the action taking place in the middle of the park. The Daggers tested Ingham for the first time with half an hour played, Dwight Gayle's floating header saved easily by the Scotsman. York were looking threatening down the wings, as yet though they were unable to find a second goal - Daniel Kearns over hitting a poor cross.

It wasn't long though before York did restore their lead with the help of some poor Daggers defending. Jamal Fyfield was given too much space down the left and as a result was able to swing in a delightful cross where a poorly marked Chambers was on hand to glance home his second of the game. Extremely frustrating from our point of view as the goal, like a bunch of others this season, was very much avoidable.

With only five minutes to go until half time there wasn't really any more attempts that troubled either ‘keeper. Dwight Gayle tried a speculative bicycle kick, whilst the follow up was blazed wide of the post. Both sides were attempting to utilise the wings, but to little effect. Medy Elito was trying his best without any end result; meanwhile Matty Blair was looking like the creative player for the home side.

The referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the half and in truth, we couldn't really have any complaints. To put it bluntly, we had been pretty awful in the opening half. The defence were not tight enough, the midfield went missing (I'm still looking for Spillane), and the front men had little if anything to work with. All this was topped off by York's tea bar prices bordering on the ridiculous - at least it wasn't raining I suppose.

The start of the second half saw more attacking prowess from York, as Daniel Kearns headed wide of the post, had it been on target Lewington would have been struggling. The Minstermen continued in the same vain minutes later with Matty Blair testing Lewington after dispossessing Femi. The Daggers almost equalised on the 60 minute mark, however Wilkinson's glancing header from a Saunders free kick drifted agonisingly wide of the post.

We were then treated to a flurry of substitutions, with Medy Elito being hauled off unusually early for the quick feet and trickery of Dominic Green. Michael Coulson was taken off for York; he was replaced by Jonathan Smith in his second spell with the club. 

Just two minutes after the double change, York extended their lead to make it 3-1. Daniel Kearns took matters into his own hands down the left hand side, showing good pace before cutting the ball back into the box. Despite no one being in a central position, the ball was allowed to drift through to Matty Blair at the back post who slammed home into the roof of the net - leaving Lewington with no chance once again.

The Daggers didn't give up though and despite putting in what John Still called, "our worst performance of the season", Scott Doe narrowly headed over from another Saunders corner. The nonexistent Mickey Spillane was then replaced by Gavin Hoyte in a tactical change for Still's men. Jason Walker should have put the game beyond doubt with 15 minutes to go after latching on to a short Dwight Gayle back pass, Lewington however was out of his blocks to deny  the prolific forward – spreading himself well.

The away side continued to press in hope of a second goal, with Wilkinson going close twice more - first with another header, whilst he also blasted a speculative strike over the bar. As we approached injury time, substitute Jake Reed came menacingly close, and Dwight Gayle also had claims for a penalty waved away.

Daggers Players Applaud the Support

The final score however was 3-2, a reverse of that famous day 6 years ago where Craig-Mackail Smith & Glen Southam netted for the Essex side. It was Luke Wilkinson once again who netted the consolation, hammering home a tremendous half volley from 25 yards out that left Ingham frozen to his mark. Despite this, the away side couldn't quite find that elusive equaliser in the remaining two minutes, and as a result went home with nothing to show from their travels.

In truth, nothing was just about what we deserved. Whilst York were poor, we were considerably worse and never really offered anything going forward. It's funny how you can contrast in a week from the best performance of the season to the worst. As I have previously said the defence wasn't tight enough, the midfield went missing and the forwards just weren't given the service. Luke Wilkinson had a decent game, although even he should have done better for the second goal. 

Mickey Spillane in particular was a ghost in the middle of the park, you could probably count the amount of touches he had on one hand. Luke Howell never really established himself, while Matt Saunders was only really present when taking the set pieces. Lewington didn't really have any chances with the goals, although he needs to be more decisive and commanding in his penalty area.

As for York, despite not being at their best, it was good enough to beat the lacklustre Daggers. Danny Kearns looked menacing, whilst you know what you're getting with Matty Blair. The York defence wasn't particularly impressive; however it was enough to deal with our blunt forward line. I look forward to reconvening with them on the final day of the season; hopefully it doesn't have too much at stake.

All in all, a poor day at the office for the Daggers who will be hoping for a considerably better display at home to Exeter City in midweek.

Remember to follow me on Twitter, @NickDRFCMurphy. Here are some images from the day...