Dagenham & Redbridge fans want more from Essex derby

There was certainly no shortage of build-up to the ‘Strevolution’ getting underway on Saturday and there was no shortage of drama either, as Harry Phipps salvaged a last-gasp equaliser in the Daggers’ National League opener. 

The performance was a little underwhelming with Daggers, by their manager’s own admission, not at their best and there appeared a level of anxiety about the play early on. 

Despite it taking a while for the Daggers to grow into the game, their best spell in the latter stages was rewarded with a goal – a draw deemed a fair result in the end.

For large parts of the contest there was a marked lack of creativity from the away side, affirming fears some had of Inih Effiong becoming isolated as the sole striker. There were also some nervy moments at the back, put down as first-game nerves or rustiness perhaps.

Teams take time to gel, players take time to get on top of their game, it’s a long season, and supporters accept that from the game at Altrincham, but there will be few excuses this Saturday. 

The Daggers’ next challenge is Southend who provided the biggest surprise on the opening weekend, with their depleted squad and disrupted preparations not stopping them from running away as 4-0 winners against Oldham.

Kevin Maher’s Blues must not be underestimated despite the off-field issues engulfing the club. Their opening day performance is clear evidence of that, and the Daggers must improve if they are to come out victorious in their opening home fixture of the campaign. 

The improvements on the recent performance must include a tightening up at the back, with Elliot Justham’s heroics only able to save Dagenham on one of the two occasions he was left one-on-one with an opposition attacker.

Also, as mentioned, there needs to be greater link-up play in the final third, which did come towards the end of Saturday’s draw with the introduction of Sydney Ibie and Charley Kendall into attack. 

However, there was no doubt that one of Strevens’ key objectives was achieved in the opening game, a revival of the ‘Daggers spirit’ in fighting for every ball and fostering resilience and perseverance. 

This return to basics, some have argued, earned a point that would’ve otherwise been written off as a narrow defeat under previous boss Daryl McMahon. 

A similar, if not greater, level of fight must be shown against Southend who will be more than up for this clash, looking to start the season off with back-to-back victories. 

Strevens has made clear that the salvaged point must now be backed up with a win, in order for it to be classified as a good start to the 2023/24 season. 

So, this early on in the season and we’ve already got a huge, some might say ‘must-win’, game on our hands. The Vanarama National League is well and truly back and the Strevolution is in full swing. Come On You Daggers!