Both teams came out looking reasonably eager to win, with Orient having much of the early play. The Daggers were without new keeper Tony Roberts and ex-Man City, Ipswich and Middlesborough midfielder Mark Brennan, as well as striker Danny Shipp. Within the first two minutes, on-trial 'keeper Paul Nicholls, a former Chelsea youth, was called unto action. After failing to come to collect an inswinging corner, the ball fell kindly for the Orient striker to shoot. However, Paul Nicholls made a fantastic reflex save to tip the ball onto the bar with an outstretched left hand. After this early scare, although possession favoured the visitors, not many chances were created. The will to win even in this supposedly meaningless friendly was evident when Naylor was booked for a high boot. Tim Cole was given the chance to prove his worth at right back before Lee Goodwin and didn't let the side down. Paul Cobb, receiving the ball in midfield, looked to pass back to Cole. However, the pass was poor and it was left to Cole to chase an Orient forward back towards his own goal before making a fantastic sliding tackle. Towards the end of the half, the Daggers started to get into the match and had some good attacking possession, but failed to test the Orient keeper.

Garry Hill gave a chance to another trialist after the half-time break, Robbie Devereux, the ex-Colchester midfield player. He came on in place of Mark Janney up the right hand side but didn't really make any impact, hardly touching the ball. Matt Jones also made an appearance after the break, coming on in his usual left midfield position in place of the off-form Jason Broom. Rob Haworth also entered the fray in place of Junior McDougald. The second half turned into a nothing match, as Leyton Orient gradually changed their first half first team for a more youthful look, several reserves and youths getting their chance. The Daggers also utilised the substitutes, Lee Goodwin coming on in midfield and another trialist Marvin Harriot coming on at right back. The wholesale changes led to Orient becoming rather disjointed and the Daggers began to take full control. Steve Heffer was powerful in the midfield battle, as always not knowing the meaning of "take it easy, it's just a friendly". Derek Payne never really got the chance to influence the game, however he did make some good tackles. Matt Jones looked to have recaptured some fitness and the back four as always looked fantastic, Lee Matthews almost dictating the second half from the back. It was Lee Matthews who had the best chance of the game.. From the corner of the box, he hit a low, swerving left footed shot that was well saved at his right hand post by Ashley Bayes in the Orient goal. Tim Cole had a good chance with his usual aerial prowess from corners, but his header was deflected over by a defender. The Daggers did take the lead though, with just two minutes remaining. The new signing, Rob Haworth, rose well to glance a header past the Orient keeper from a good Matt Jones right-footed cross.

D & R: Paul Nicholls, Tim Cole, Lee Matthews, Ashley Vickers (Marvin Harriot), Dominic Naylor, Mark Janney (Robbie Devereux), Steve Heffer (Paul Terry), Derek Payne (Lee Goodwin), Jason Broom (Matt Jones), Paul Cobb, Junior McDougald (Rob Haworth). Sub not used: Paul Dennis

Man of the Match: Lee Matthews, was instrumental in the defensive victory and his power going forward was also useful.