Quickfire goals down Daggers

Monday, 23 November 2009

Dagenham & Redbridge 1-2 Rochdale - Coca Cola League Two

DAGENHAM & Redbridge suffered their first home defeat of the season and lost the lead at the top of League Two on Saturday after their 2-1 defeat to fellow promotion chasers Rochdale.

The results sees Dale leapfrog Daggers in the table to second behind leaders Bournemouth, while Dagenham drop to third.

It looked to have started so well for the Daggers after taking an early lead, only to be dealt with a two goals in two minutes in the second half for Dale.

With three minutes on the clock, Daggers took the lead when Danny Green’s cross was headed home by Peter Gain.

This gave Daggers an extra spring in their step and they played some impressive football, with opportunities falling to Josh Scott and Stuart Thurgood, while Will Antwi saw his header rebound off the post.

Striker Paul Benson then had a penalty claim turned down after a Chris O’Grady challenge.

However, Dale showed signs of a recovery, with Chris Dagnall’s effort ruled out for offside just before half-time.

In the second half, Scott had the perfect opportunity to double the lead for Dagenham, but when he was sent through his eventual shot was way off target.

This proved to be the turning point as Rochdale substitute Kallum Higginbotham levelled on 70 minutes with a low drive.

With their tails up, Rochdale piled on the pressure with Daggers keeper Tony Roberts pushing away Jason Taylor’s shot for a corner.

The resulting set-piece saw Dagenham slow to react and Craig Dawson was on hand to score from close range.

It knocked the stuffing out of Dagenham, who had sub Wes Thomas sent-off late on to round off a frustrating afternoon for Dagenham which had started so brightly.

The Daggers were due to travel to leaders Bournemouth last night (Tuesday night).

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