Dagenham & Redbridge boss focused on tough Fylde test

Daggers enjoyed back-to-back wins over London rivals Barnet and Wealdstone over the Bank Holiday weekend, to get their campaign up and running after taking just one point from four matches.

But Strevens is taking nothing for granted against a Fylde side that earned promotion last season.

“We know it will be another tough test on Saturday against Fylde,” he told the club website.

“We’ll look at what we did good in those games, lots we need to improve on still, and try and put in another good performance that hopefully leads to three points on Saturday.

“Any team that comes out of National North and the way they did it as well, they’re going to be a really tough test.

“They’ve probably been unlucky in not picking up as many points in the early part of the season because they’ve had some sendings-off in games for differing reasons.

“I’ve seen lots of them, they look like they’ve got some really good footballers.

“[Nick] Haughton was one of the leading goalscorers in National North last year and was very good in the National League before.

“Gold Omotayo was at King’s Lynn and did really well for them for a few years and has joined as well.”

Fylde have five points from six games so far this season, but Strevens wants to make sure his side take care of themselves first and foremost.

“We’re very respectful of them and I think the games they’ve not picked up points, going down to 10 men certainly hampered them in some games,” he said.

“We’re aware that they’re going to be another tough test coming to our ground, but we’ve got to try and focus on ourselves, be the best versions of ourselves we can be and hope that is going to be enough on the day.

“Knowing who we are, what we’re trying to do, being disciplined with our shape, the work we’re doing without the ball and getting the fans behind us.”

Having suffered three defeats in a row, following their opening-day draw at Altrincham, Strevens was delighted to give the supporters something to cheer at last.

A late own goal by Nicke Kabamba earned them victory over Barnet, with Ryan Hill and Omar Mussa on the mark in the 2-0 success at Wealdstone 48 hours later.

And Strevens felt the energy from their supporters was key in both matches, hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

“We certainly felt the last couple of games, they were right with us and spurring us on,” he said.

“Them moments in games when the other team gets a little lift or are on top and the crowd is going right with us is a massive thing for the boys, to build that energy in the stadium. Energy produced from the players going to the fans and also the fans giving back to the players.

“We certainly felt the Barnet game we give them something to smile about, be energised about and they give it back to us in abundance. The same against Wealdstone.

“I think if we get off to a good start, positive, I think that will lead into the atmosphere in the ground, and hopefully we can all have another good day together.”