Grimsby v Dagenham Preview

Who are they?

The club is relatively new with Dagenham and Redbridge having only been formed in 1992 prior to this the clubs family tree could be compared to a major law firm with mergers and acquisitions abound. The club can trace its roots back to no more than 4 other clubs, Dagenham, Walthamstow Abbey , Ilford and Leytonstone. Though their predecessors had mild success, Leytonstone won the FA amateur cup 3 times and the Isthmian League 9 times. It wasn't until the formation of the club as we now know it till it hit the big time. In the 2006-07 newly relegated Oxford United were looking for an immediate return to the Football League and all started well for them until a huge downturn in form handed the Conference championship to the Daggers and they were crowd champions on April 7th 2007.

Cruel for the Daggers. The east Londoners were only denied a play off spot in the very last match of the season at home to Shrewsbury’s who’s win over them secured the last play off place for the Shrews in one of the most tense matches of the season. Though it was a disappointing end to a promising start the Daggers can look back with pride and will hope it’s just the start of something special under the stewardship of John Still.

Dagenham have been patronised by some critics as been the surprise package of the season despite their near success in May. Currently 5 points off the top spot The Daggers lay 4th in the table just a point ahead of a resurgent Chesterfield. Naturally it hasn't been plain sailing for the eastenders only picking up 5 points from a possible 18 in the last 6 league games including a huge 6-1 defeat at the hands of an impressive Huddersfield in the FA Cup.

Welsh footballer Chris Moore took many plaudits while at the Victoria Ground the fans favourites had 2 periods at Dagenham after a short spell at Brentford it was his second stint at the Daggers which elevated him to legend. His huge goal haul was one of the main reasons Dagenham can call themselves a league club.

Looking good though the club is small it is attracting many admirers from around the area, West Ham obviously take the majority of fans it is fast becoming a second team for many Hammers fans. Attendances have stayed almost the same in the last couple of seasons but have risen from their time in the conference what could another promotion do for them?

When we look for our millionth striker of the season Woods would be lauded over if he found any player in the same mould as this guy. At the age of 25 the non league striker born in Southend was plucked out of obscurity by John Still whose faith in the striker paid off in spades. Currently in his 5th season at Dagenham the 30 year old has amassed 140 appearances scoring 62 goals. The 6ft2 striker finished the Conference top scorer in Dagenham’s championship winning season and finished last year as the clubs top scorer with 17, he is currently set to do the same this year already hitting double figures. Benson scored 4 of the 5 goals against Shrewsbury in August and if we continue our poor home form he may well do the same.

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Head to Head

Town have never beaten Dagenham, and have conceded 4 goals twice to the Essex team.

P 4 W0 D2 L2 F 2 A 9

Head-to-Head (Not on The Opposition Ladder)

Last Meeting

Grimsby 1 Dagenham 1 (Tue 27th Jan 2009)

Town did well to earn a point and continue a mini revival back in January. Loanee Stuart Elliot scored Town's goal.

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