Pin-sharp Heed do double over blunt Daggers
DAGENHAM 0 GATESHEAD 2
AWAY-DAY specialists Gateshead moved into the top six of the Vanarama National League after completing the double over Dagenham & Redbridge.
Just as on Tyneside in October, the Heed kept a clean sheet and triumphed against the Daggers courtesy of two goals in quick succession.
Steven Rigg scored the opener against the Londoners at the International Stadium and the former Carlisle man scored both goals in the return clash.
The striker ended a personal goal drought spanning four months and 19 games with a 41st-minute penalty and a second 10 minutes after the break
It was enough to claim an impressive ninth win on the road – only leaders Solihull Moors have recorded more away wins.
It also set up next weekend’s visit of second-top Wrexham to Tyneside where the Welshmen will be backed by several hundred fans.
While Rigg was the Heed’s goalscoring hero, Boro loanee Aynsley Pears was another at the other end of the pitch.
The England youth international ensured an 11th clean sheet with a number of vital saves, including a 73rd-minute penalty.
Ben Clark, meanwhile, remains unbeaten after five games since he replaced Steve Watson in the Heed hot seat.
“I’m delighted with the win, although we weren’t at our best today,” said Clark.
“As a manager, when you get a win when you’re not at your best, it’s very pleasing
“I’ve got to mention the goalkeeper again. Pears made a oneone-on-one save save and another from a penalty in the second half.
“Even in the 90th minute, his pride, and desire to keep a clean sheet saw him make another great save.
“There were a few choice words at half-time as we knew we could play a lot better.
“Second half, we were a lot better and scored a good goal and I’m delighted Rigg got the two.
“We had a good following in London and we’ve now got a massive home game against Wrexham to look forward to.”
Gateshead made one change to the side held by Havant & Waterlooville last week with Mike Williamson returning to the centre of defence.
The 35-year-old played a part in the opening goal when he was impeded by Manny Oneriase, Rigg firing the spot-kick down the middle.
It was a goal against the run of play, Dagenham having hit the bar and seeing another effort cleared off the line by Robbie Tinkler.
Kenny Clark’s header struck the woodwork but the Daggers couldn’t break through one of the best defences in the league.
Heed midfield men Elliott Forbes and Tom White went close after the break, before good work from Scott Barrow and Greg Olley saw Rigg double the lead.
A foul by Olley on striker Lamar Reynolds gave the Daggers a penalty, only for Pears to save superbly from Connor Wilkinson.
Late home pressure came to nothing as a resolute Gateshead headed back to the North East with three points for the second away game running. Dagenham & Redbridge: 5-3-2 Justin; Mcclean, CLARK, Onariase, Goodliffe (Harfield 67), Gordon; Loft, Robinson, Munns (Kandi 62); Reynolds, Wilkinson Subs: Moore (gk), Smith, Wright Gateshead: 5-3-2 PEARS; Tinkler, Kerr, Williamson, Mellish, Barrow; White, Olley (Hunter 84), Forbes; Rigg, Thomson (Salkeld 77)Subs: (not used) Foden (gk), Devitt, Maloney Goals: Rigg (41-pen, 55) Referee: Carl Brooke (East Sussex Attendance: 1,209