Leigh came into this game after 8 hours on the coach after hitting accidents throughout their journey, meaning the kick-off was not until 4:20pm. This left the Daggers waiting around on the pitch, but it was Leigh that were swept away at the start of the match.
Four minutes saw the first goal from that man Stein again, picking up where he left off last season in the Chester game. Steve Perkins, playing as a right wing back or midfielder as the Daggers switched between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 regularly in the first period, headed the ball down for Terry. Paul then burst into the box and played a little chip over the defender for Stein to slam it into the net from close range.
The Daggers did not relent, and added to their lead in the 7th minute. Again some lovely play around the box ended with a flick to McGavin (left) who lifted his left-foot volley over the keeper and into the top corner from 12 yards. It seemed that the Daggers were going to storm away, but this was not the case as Leigh came back with the Daggers sitting back.
As Dagenham eased off, it became apparent that Leigh were easily running through the Daggers midfield with Perkins and McGavin finding it very hard to track back in the heat. The game started to degenerate although Perkins did have a shot which he flashed wide from 20 yards on the right after a lay-off from Stein. McGavin also went close with a free-kick.
Leigh got the goal they deserved for their hard work when they won a free kick a long way out. The ball was hit low to Roberts' left and he spilt it for Black to prod home from close range. It seemed that Leight could go on to get at least a point from here as they grew in stature. The Daggers held out until half-time and the second half saw the game come to life more.
Number 13, Jūniņr, came off the bench to applause from the crowd and turned the game. As he gave the defence no peace and offered a target for the midfield with his darting runs, it saw a renewed Dagenham team. One such run saw him turn the ball back to Terry for Stein (right) to score his second and the Daggers' third from close range again.
It certainly wasn't all the home side though, as Maamria's header forced Roberts into a superb tip-around and he also smashed the ball against the bar when it was easier to score soon after, as well as another shot straight at Roberts and two other wild finishes that ended up in the car-park. However, West almost added late on as he used his strength to muscle through and hit his low shot wide of the goal. Jūniņr also tried to add to the score before this, but was flattened when through on goal, Fitzhenry sent off for the offence.
Overall, a pleasing result, but a more solid midfield will be needed against Gravesend with perhaps Heffer in for McGavin, and of course Jūniņr must start after today's showing.
