Dagenham (h)

[Sparky]

That’s how you do it! What drama!

Another defensive performance but a much better one than the Salisbury game.

I do like the look of this new central midfielder from QPR, Alfie Tuck. Didn’t just sit in front of the defence mindlessly. Instead, read the game really well, and be where he should be. Just what we needed.

But everybody worked so hard defending, pouncing on the opposition when they could.

Now we just need to work out how to work the ball forward better. But hey, that’s for another day.

[Big Rich]

Fantastic win - well done all!

[Tony]

Another cliff hanger at Beveree with Paul Field getting a 97th minute winner. It was another case of having to defend for most of the game without giving away too many clear cut chances. We looked a bit more controlled than against Dorking but still looked limited creatively. Alan Julian is beginning to ring the changes bringing in loanees Alfie Tuck (QPR) and Soul Kader (Bromley) but too early to say if they will get us more on the front foot. It looked like a back four today with Harry Thomas dropped to the bench and Field at RB. After an even start with both keepers largely untroubled,Dagenham got on top and were close to scoring with a header onto the post and rescued on the line by Holden. 0-0 at HT. The same pattern remained set into the second period with Dagenham dictating possession but not really opening up our defence. Against the run of play we took the lead on 59 mins with Rodari heading in Gardner’s freekick, our first time in the opposition box. Dagenham equalised with a long range shot from Harrack on 80 mins and a draw looked our best outcome until the late corner which Rodari fired back in with Field getting the header to guide into the net from close range. A famous win. Not sure we have ever beaten D& R. Les?

We are looking much more resilient and organised. The loan players reflect what I said after the Salisbury, Alan Julian needed to strengthen after a poor pre season and it will be a while before things settle down. 7 points from four games takes the pressure off having to rush Ince back too early but we still need him to get there fairly soon.

[EastTerracer]

We rode our luck again at times but this team is showing it has spirit, can withstand pressure and frustrate the opposition. Tuck added some quality in midfield and when Ince is available hopefully we will be able to enjoy more possession in games. Good to send the Daggers fans home pointless. Not sure the history there with Grego-Cox but unpleasant treatment of him.

[Les1949]

Not sure we have ever beaten D& R. Les?

I didn't even have to track through my records as the answer lies in today's programme.
No wins, we have never even drawn against D&R.....5 losses, 4 in the Isthmian Premier + 1 F A Cup.

[Tony]

Blimey! History made.

[HamptonLifer5]

What a Massive result. Dagenham are a big football club, and we've claimed all 3 points. Their fans were horrible, and the only mistake the club made is that we probably should've segregated them. On the pitch we were nothing short of superb. Definitely still our 5 at the back, with Paul Field dropping into RCB in the absence of Thomas, and second half Craig Fasanmade dropping back into the 5. Rodari made the difference when he came on with a goal and assist. Much more like the Hampton of old, what an atmosphere and what a result! Onto a really tough run of 3 with Chesham, Ebbsfleet and Torquay, all of which are now completely free hits given our current results. Come on Hampton!!!

[Josh2002]

Not sure we have ever beaten D& R. Les?

I didn't even have to track through my records as the answer lies in today's programme.
No wins, we have never even drawn against D&R.....5 losses, 4 in the Isthmian Premier + 1 F A Cup.

We also played each other in the Isthmian League in 1973-74, losing 3-0 at home and 4-0 away, as per the Isthmian League archive. http://isthmianarchive.co.uk/page1.html

[Tony]

The current D&R club was not formed until 1992.

[TW2-Beaver]

Les is referring to D&R (1992). Full historical record against D&R and all predecessor clubs from the programme... we did beat Dagenham FC in 1966!

[Tony]

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMaa4uisBxg