Doyle foils Daggers in a late show

MICHAEL DOYLE’S sensational long-range goal sent Notts County through after Dagenham looked to have snatched a replay.

Goalkeeper Ellliot Justham looked to have cleared the danger in the third minute of stoppage time when he beat a Notts striker to a through ball and cleared to within five yards of the halfway line.

But the Magpies skipper collected the ball on his favourite left foot and drove a brilliant shot into the empty net beyond Justham and a couple of desperate defenders to send the home fans into ecstasy.

The goal of the season contender came with virtually the last kick of the tie and was the perfect way to round off a classy display by Doyle who has been a leading figure in the club’s nine-match unbeaten run.

New Daggers boss Daryl McMahon saw Mitch Brundle bundle his side level in the 76th minute after his initial effort from Will Wright’s free-kick had somehow been turned onto the bar by Ross Fitzsimons.

The visitors looked good at that point with the outstanding Sam Deering shooting just wide before Sam Osborne’s 88th minute shot saved by Justham sparked a last gasp Notts rally.

The cheers for Doyle were multiplied by the relief at not going to a second game in Essex in Tuesday – a date Daggers insisted on after Notts suggested the tie should be finished on the day.

Kristian Dennis made up for having a goal ruled out in the first half by edging Notts into a 53rd minute lead after good play from Tom Crawford set up Zoumane Bakayogo for an accurate left wing cross. The striker made a good run to meet the ball and net from very close range.

Earlier, Wes Thomas had hit the outside of a post for Notts and Joe Quigley squandered a close range chance for Daggers in an even first half.