DAGGERS KEEP DREAMS ALIVE
PLAY-OFF-CHASING Dagenham & Redbridge continued their excellent run of form to move to within four points of the play-off places.
Daryl McMahon’s men produced a clinical performance at Grosvenor Vale, notching their fourth win in their last five matches.
Goals from Junior Morias and Emmanuel Onariase either side of half-time sealed another crucial three points, while the Stones’ talisman Josh Umerah got a late consolatory goal for the home side.
“It was a game where their ability to be clinical was better than ours,” accepted Wealdstone assistant manager Matt Saunders. “As a game, we controlled huge amounts of it and got in to unbelievable areas, but our quality let us down.”
The visitors almost took the lead in the ninth minute when Paul McCallum beat Sam Howes but referee Thomas Kirk gave offside.
But the Daggers weren’t to be denied on 23 minutes when Matt Robinson threaded a ball through to Morias, who slotted between the legs of Howes.
Wealdstone had a chance to draw level three minutes later as Charles Clayden collected the ball out wide, cut inside and swerved a strike towards goal, but his effort flew just wide.
The hosts returned from the interval with impetus and Morias nearly added a second, but Howes produced a fine save.
A minute later, the Daggers were then denied by the crossbar as McCallum’s header rebounded off the woodwork and was cleared away for a corner.
An from the resulting setpiece from Will Wright, McCallum rose highest to head on to the post and Onariase slotted home the rebound to double Dagenham’s lead.
Wealdstone boss Stuart Maynard responded by making a double substitution in the 58th minute with Nikola Tavares and Alex Dyer replacing Connor McAvoy and Charlie Cooper.
The changes proved effective as the Stones began to find rhythm and generate more attacks; however they vitally lacked the cutting edge and composure to challenge Howes in the Daggers’ goal.
Nevertheless, Wealdstone’s persistence prevailed and the home side reduced the deficit on the stroke of regulation time as Umerah flicked Aaron Henry’s corner in at the near post to force a tense finale.
But despite five minutes of additional time, the desperate Stones were unable to find a way through as McMahon’s side held firm to further boost their playoff hopes.
STAR MAN: Paul McCallum (Dagenham)
ATT: 1,321
ENTERTAINMENT:
REFEREE: Thomas Kirk