Dagenham & Redbridge boss desperate for home improvement

Daggers suffered an eighth home defeat in 11 National League outings when losing 2-1 to Rochdale at the weekend.

And they now have a 14-day break from competitive action, before returning to home soil to host National League North outfit Peterborough Sports in the third round of the FA Trophy on December 9.

“The focus is on that, getting ready for that game,” Strevens told the club website.

“We’ve obviously got a break which we probably wouldn’t have wanted, but it is what it is.

“We’ve got a friendly that leads into the weekend to keep playing the boys minutes, and hopefully to top up some boys that are coming back to fitness, but need game time now from being outside of the squad.

“Then very quickly we go the FA Trophy game, Barnet (away, December 12), leading into Wealdstone (home, December 16).

“The focus for weeks now has been earning some victories at home for our people, that’s what we want to do it for.

“They’re the ones that pay their hard-earned money to come and see us and I spoke to a few people after the game, telling me how hard they’re working to support this team.

“I want to give them more to smile about and that’s what we have to do moving forward.”

Daggers have collected 16 points from 11 away games, thanks to four wins and four draws, but only nine at home, where they have beaten Barnet (August 26), Fylde (September 2) and Woking (October 12).

“The away performances we’re putting in to pick up the points is keeping us in a position where we are in the league, wheras normally your away form is your bonuses,” added Strevens.

“If you win your home games and get a draw away from home you’ll be where you need to be.

“We’re the opposite right now, our away form has been really strong, and our home performances haven’t been leading to victories.

“We certainly shouldn’t have lost a couple of the games at home, but it doesn’t matter, the facts are the facts.”

Daggers conceded either side of the break against Rochdale, the first goal coming after a fine individual finish and the second following a defensive mistake.

And Frank Vincent’s reply was little consolation as they were left empty-handed, with Strevens clear in his mind about what needs to improve.

“Away from home where we’re getting these victories, the pressure is on the home team, we’re the away team going there with not a lot expected,” he said.

“It’s the reverse at home, you’re expected to win. You’re expected to get three points.

“That’s what you’ve got to implement – your own foothold into the game and show yourself as players.

“I spoke to the boys after – it’s brave with and without the ball at home.

“Coming up to the Christmas period and leading into it now we’ve got the FA Trophy game, we need people braver with and without the ball to get the home fans back on side.

“They want to see the team play here and win games, that’s what I want as well.”