Michael Husbands has been out to prove his doubters wrong

The Daggers have endured a rather torrid time, more particular in the last twelve months than the previous couple of seasons, as a once-fearsome non-League outfit now struggles with the huge influx of Football League clubs into their division. Ironically, Dagenham were one of the most vocal of teams on the subject when they only missed out on promotion to the then-Nationwide Conference on goal difference to bung-recipients Boston United.

Second that year, the East London outfit then forced their way into the inaugural play-offs in the premier echelon of the non-League pyramid as they got their wish of two-up, two-down. But ex-Shrimper Dave Morley stuck the boot into the Daggers as his goal in silver goal extra-time was enough for Doncaster Rovers to win promotion along with runaway leaders Yeovil Town. With such sides as Chester City, Shrewsbury Town (who both went up last year), Exeter City (who almost did), Halifax Town and United’s F.A. Cup third round conquerors Scarborough all having League experience, Dagenham finished in 13^th place, some five wins off of the pace.

However, there was a massive change at Victoria Road as Garry Hill, who had been in charge as the metropolitan Essex side galloped up the table and inflicted Cup grief on Exeter (in their relegation year) and Leyton Orient (in the LDV Vans Trophy by four goals to one last season), resigned and took over just a few miles down the road at Hornchurch, made rich by Bryco Windows. John Still, the former Bristol Rovers boss, has taken over, and he has brought in a whole host of new names.

One of the biggest names is ex-Cambridge United gaffer John Taylor, who has been coaxed out of semi-retirement after a spell with Northampton Town at the end of last year. Anwar Uddin, a former Southend trialist also with Bristol Rovers and West Ham United, has linked up at the back, whilst the likes of long-serving Danny Shipp have rejoined Hill with the Urchins.

The Conference side, therefore, will be well-organised, and another tough proposition after Championship club Millwall raided Roots Hall for a 2-0 win on Wednesday night. Like that clash, manager Steve Tilson and head coach Paul Brush will look to give players a slightly more substantial run-out, having started to give away more of their training to set-pieces, notably the taking of free-kicks and corners.

On Wednesday night, Tilson gave a full run-out to his first-choice back four of Duncan Jupp, Andy Edwards, Adam Barrett and Nicky Nicolau, and as a result, that quartet may not all play the full quota tomorrow afternoon. However, with Spencer Prior suffering difficulties with his insurance for participation in pre-season friendlies, it remains to be seen if Lewis Hunt will be the only other available centre-back or if he will be partnered by the returning Prior.

Bart Griemink should start the game in goal again, although Tilson’s decision to field both of his shotstoppers for 45 minutes each on the last three occasions points to a reluctance to make an absolute choice between the pair for the number one jersey. Both have conceded just the single goal from open play, and some flapping at corners against Canvey excepted, Flahavan appears to be in decent enough form.

Stuart Williams could earn a recall to the right full-back berth, whilst Che Wilson has been in fine form over the past two fixtures. The utility man’s recent displays point to an intention to win himself a starting position in the side, wherever that may be, and he could just come in at left-back for Nicolau. Edwards and Barrett may both start in the middle, although Hunt is a still candidate for inclusion.

In midfield, Kevin Maher should have recovered from his slightly jaded patch against the Lions in midweek to earn his captain’s armband, but it remains to be seen if he will be partnered by Hunt, trialist Ben Surey or even Jimmy Corbett, or whether former Dagenham favourite Mark Bentley will make a return from an ankle knock sustained at East Thurrock United in Blues’ 7-0 win.

On the flanks, the form of Michael Husbands has been especially pleasing, but following 165 minutes of play in succession over a three-day period, the nippy former Aston Villa youngster and Hereford United loanee may be rested, for the first-half at least. In that case, Michael Kightly would be likely to be handed a starting position on the left-hand side of midfield for the first time in pre-season, with Mark Gower, the midfield playmaker, reverting to his more favoured right-wing position.

Up front, the Seasiders were buoyed by the return of Lawrie Dudfield on Wednesday, but after his twenty minute excursion, it is only conceivable that he will be awarded a half of football on the pitch at the very most. Drewe Broughton’s illness should have cleared up, but a lack of training in the past seven days will have left him slightly less than match-fit.

Wayne Gray appeared to be off-of-the-pace on Wednesday when given his first starting role, but in the advent of injuries, he could well begin the game up front again, with Tesfaye Bramble, whose dedication to the cause cannot be doubted, alongside him. Of course, both Husbands and Corbett are also options for Tilson and Brush to ponder in the next few hours before the game kicks off.

Kick-off is at the regular time of three o’clock at the Glyn Hopkin Stadium (Victoria Road to you and I), and admission on the terrace will be £10 for adults and £6 for concessions, with the Barking College Family Stand £11 and £6.50 and the Carling Stand £13 with no concessions.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com