Dagenham & Redbridge deserved win at Oldham claims boss

Daggers had to settle for a point, after a second-half header from Josh Rees cancelled out James Norwood’s early opener for the hosts at Boundary Park.

But Strevens believed the performance of the visitors was worthy of claiming all three points.

“I’m really happy with the performance. I’m not happy with a point, we should’ve had three points here today,” he told the club website.

“One hundred per cent we should’ve won that game today.

“They got the goal early doors from a well-worked set-play from them and we started a little bit shaky. 

“But for the next 70-odd, 80 minutes until Els [Justham] pulled off a brilliant save in the dying seconds we were value for three points. But we haven’t got them.

“I’ve just said if they keep performing the way they have, with and without the ball, you have to believe it will come.”

Daggers travelled to the north west having suffered a 2-1 home defeat against fellow strugglers York City in midweek.

And they welcomed Inih Effiong back into their starting line-up for the first time since his collapse after the August 19 match at Maidenhead United.

But Norwood’s early goal left them chasing the game, with Rees, Freddie Sears and Harry Phipps having chances before half-time.

Daggers got their reward when substitute Charley Kendall crossed for Rees to head home and they saw Effiong and Frank Vincent have chances to win it, either side of a stunning save from captain Elliot Justham.

It means Daggers have now gone eight matches without a win, taking just three points in that time, but Strevens added: “We definitely deserved to win against York and that does kill your confidence, you feel a little bit down because you’ve played so well for such long periods of the game.

“But they way they’re playing the victories have to come.

“All over the pitch, everyone is brave enough to get on the ball, the work rate and endeavour without the ball is exactly what you want to see.

“We’ve been punished from a well-worked set-play from them, I have to wear that one myself a little bit because they’ve obviously watched the way we set up and tried something different.

“And then so many shots going in, balls going across the box, and I’m really grateful Reesy popped up with a header because I’d be coming away from here absolutely gutted otherwise.”

Daggers now turn their attention to the FA Cup and a fourth qualifying round tie at Bracknell Town which will be broadcast live on BBC next Saturday (October 14) at 12.30pm.

The game will be shown live via BBC iPlayer / Red Button and BBC Sport website, with streaming available to watch on tablet, phone and desktop.