Match 11 – Daggers 2-0 Barnet
What can disrupt the Daggers rhythm at the moment? Well if it was going to be anything then it might have been the 3 games in 6 days that the Daggers had to deal with. A great start with a 2-0 away victory to Rochdale was followed up by an even more amazing 1-0 victory against League 1 Peterborough in the JPT. The feeling on a warm friday night in Dagenham as the players prepared to take on Barnet was one of optimism but nevertheless realistic that a loss had to occur at some point. However, it couldn’t happen against local strugglers Barnet, could it?
A fast paced start saw Daggers grab the first goal. An instantaneous Sam Saunders cross saw Matt Richie superbly header down into the ground for the loanee’s 2nd goal in 2 games.
Following the great start, expectations amongst the fans seemed raised. However, it was Barnet who took the initiative with a long spell of pressure on the Dagenham goal. The anxiety level amongst the supporters started to raise and were nearly confounded as Neil Bishop smashed a low shot in which Tony Roberts did brilliantly to save.
This almost seemed to wake the Daggers up and the home side began to search for a priceless 2nd goal before the interval. It almost came as a Solomon Taiwo glancing header hit the inside of the post and bounced along the line before being scrambled away.
Were the Daggers going to rue that slice of misfortune?
The second half started as the first half had ended. Sam Saunders had a shot well parried by the goalkeeper who made an even better save from Matt Richies rebound.
However, a slice of luck nearly fell in Barnet’s favour. A cross from the left hand side seemed destined to fly over Tony Roberts into the top corner but the veteran keeper did wondefully to divert the ball over the bar for a corner.
This was the closest Barnet came though and the Daggers added to their lead midway through the second period. Paul Benson found Strevens unmarked in the centre for the hard working striker to grab a much needed goal for his confidence.
In truth, Dagenham could have had more but would have been content with a 3rd win in 6 days to continue an amazing start to the season.
A big clash with Bury awaits at the weekend for John Still’s men with a victory really cementing their place in the top 3 at this time. Do the Daggers dare to dream?
