rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 10/8/03.

Daggers record first League win over Essex rivals.

Colchester United 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 3

The Reds got off to the perfect start in the Third Division yesterday afternoon with a comfortable victory at fellow Essex side Colchester. The away side dominated completely, United finding themselves on the back foot from the off & to go into half time with just a single goal defecit, courtesy of Richard Naylor'sfirst for the club. The second half provided more of the same, with the Daggers swarming forward in support of their fearsome three man forward line. However, the second goal only came after last season's top scorer Junior mcdougald limped off with a minor foot injury; his replacement Aaron McLean took less than a minute to rifle home from twenty yards. A second for Naylor wrapped things up, while Salenko & Terry could both have made things more convincing in the final minutes but for the woodwork.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) : Gueret 8; Crooks 7, Parry 8, Carslake 7, Eaton 8; Garai 7; Terry 7, Senda 6; McDougald 8, Salenko 8, Naylor 9. Subs McLean 8, Dalglish 7, McMennamin 7.

Goals - Naylor 39,74, McLean 56.

MOM Naylor.



Dagenham Recorder, 16/8/03

Reds come out on top in thriller.

Dagenham & Redbridge 4 Exeter 3


Dagenham recorded a first home win of the season to go top of the league after two games; but they were made to work for it by a spirited Exeter City side. The Red's started off well, two first half goals from Chris Keeble, signed just yesterday and barely eligible to play, and Richard Naylor, who again looked impressive. After these two strikes the home side sat back, and were stunned as first Underwood, then Prokas, pulled Exeter level before the half time whistle. The daggers came out for the second half with more direction, but suffered a shock in the 69th minute when an aimless drive from Underwood ricocheted crazily off Jamie Parry's outstretched leg and looped over Gueret's head. An Aaron McLean header four minutes later brought things level again, and both sides seemed to have settled for a point, when Naylor let fly from twenty five yards to give dagenham a 93rd minute winner.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) : Gueret 7; Crooks 7, Parry 8, Carslake 7, Eaton 7; Garai 5; Keeble 7, Dalglish 6; McDougald 8, Salenko 8, Naylor 9. Subs McLean 8, Crosby 6, McMennamin 6.

Goals - Keeble 23, Naylor 29, 90, McLean 73. Underwood 34, Prokas 45, Parry OG 69

MOM Naylor


www.daggersonline.net, 17/8/03

Rich's Week

I can't really argue with how we've started the season. We looked superb against Colchester, and for the first half hour against Exeter, and the lads seem to be adjusting to the new scenery well. I'm absolutely delighted with how Richard Naylor is settling in; four goals and two man of the match awards in his first two games suggests he's well & truly shaken off that injury, which means the rest of the division will be terrified of him.
Many of you will have been in the stands yesterday wondering who on earth Chris Keeble was. Apologies for the late introduction but we only got his registration through an hour before kick off... anyway, he's a utility midfielder who we've acquired from Colchester for 30k (he didn't play for them last Saturday as he had a knock), and should fit in on the right side of midfield. for those of you who are keeping score, we've also picked up right midfielder Adrian Clarkeon loan from Hull until December.

rmoore

I'm still here folks... updates should resume tomorrow with any luck

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 19/8/03

Fighting Reds Go Down After Spirited Display

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 nottingham Forest 2 (League Cup 1st Round)

Daggers first ever League Cup campaign proved to be short lived, although they gave First Division heavyweights Nottingham Forest a genuine scare in last night's game at Victoria Road. With Paul Hart opting to send a full strength side south to Essex, the visitors came out of the blocks fast, but some stoic defending and a couple of good stops from Gueret looked to have taken the Daggers in at half time on terms. however, in first half stoppage time, a scrappy goal from Lee Clark left the home side with a mountain to climb. This became almost insurmountable just before the hour, when the impressive Martijn Reuser volleyed home a sweet strike from the edge of the area. Yet the Daggers fought back valiantly, motivated by substitute Oleg Salenko, who scored a superb individual effort with minutes to go to set up a frantic finale. Indeed, Forest had the woodwork to thank for their progression as a vicious thirty yarder from Danny Senda rattled Dave Beasant's crossbar in the dying seconds.
Despite the loss Rich Wellard was very upbeat. 'i think the lads can be proud of their performance, especially in the second half. Forest have a few players way better than First Division level and we gave them a real fright today. The competition was never much of a priority but the performance will have done us a lot of good, confidence wise.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) : Gueret 7; Eaton 6, Carslake 8, Farley 7, Simpkins 7; Crooks 5; Clarke 6, Keeble 6; McLean 7; McDougald 7, Naylor 6. Subs Salenko 8, Senda 7, McMennamin 6.

Goals Salenko 81. Clark 45, Reuser 59

MOM Lee Clark


Dagenham Recorder, 23/8/03

Daggers battle back to earn draw

Doncaster Rovers 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

The reds almost paid for a lethargic first half in yesterday's game; but some determined play in midfield and quality finishing meant they salvaged a point from a tricky away tie.
Doncaster were always the stronger side in the first 45 minutes, and in striker Stefan Miglioranzi had the best player on the park. The Italian found the net twice before half time, but in truth a lacklustre Daggers side should have been comfortably put away by then. However, Rich Wellard's team talk seemed to do the trick, as the visitors charged out of the blocks in the second period, the midfield duo of Keeble and Clarke gelling well in only their second game together. Indeed, it was Keeble who gave the Reds hope in the 64th minute, driving home his first for the club from a corner. Four minutes later the Daggers were level, Aaron McLean climbing highest to nod home a cross from young Juan Antonio Garai. The spanish teenager could have won it before the end, but failed to capitalise on some good work from McDougald. overall, the result seemed fair, and the Daggers retain their unbeaten start to league football.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) : Gueret 6; Eaton 6, Carslake 7, Farley 6, Simpkins 7; Garai 8; Clarke 7, Keeble 8; Salenko 7; Naylor 9, McDougald 8. Subs McLean 7, McMennamin 6, Crosby 6.

Goals : Miglioranzi 30, 42.Keeble 64, McLean 68.

MOM Miglioranzi.

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 25/8/03

Tired Daggers Grind out another win.

Bury 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

Daggers overcame the fatigue of playing their third game in six days with a solid if unconvincing victory over Bury. In a game of few chances and little excitement, the away side prevailed thanks to some solid defending, but the front line looked uncharacteristically lethargic. Indeed, the deadlock was finally broken by centre back Matthew Carslake, who headed home a cross from Danny Senda to make it 1-0. Senda himself grabbed the second, with a wickedly curling drive from 25 yards, and it was always going to be enough to win the game. Ian Hillier grabbed a late consolation for Bury but the Daggers held on to retain second behind Kidderminster.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) Gueret 8; Croft 8, Carslake 7, Parry 8, Maley 8; Terry 7; Pearson 7, Senda 7; Salenko 8; Naylor 8, McLean 7. Subs McMennamin 7, Crosby 6, Vaughan 7.

Goals : Hillier 82. Carslake 51, Senda 65.

MOM Hillier


Dagenham Recorder, 31/8/03

Clinical Daggers go top with impressive win

Dagenham & redbridge 4 Rochdale 1

A buoyant Reds side comfortably turned over struggling Rochdale at Victoria Road to clock up their fourth win in five league games and return to the top of the table. The away side were always in trouble from the moment Oleg Salenko charged into the area and lashed home a blistering drive with just 68 seconds on the clock, and in fact could have faced a much worse mauling than the one they suffered. A Richard Naylorheader made it two at the break, but the talented striker was having a rare off day, missing three golden chances in as many first half minutes before claiming is goal.
The Second half offered more of the same, with Rochdale's beleagered defence having no answer to the movement and power of the Reds front three. It was ironic then that they grabbed the next goal, Jamie Randall squeezing home a low shot to finish off their only move of note in the whole game. It was short lived however; captain Matthew Carslake slotted home a penalty after Salenko was crudely hacked down, and substitute Wayne Vaughan finished off a sweeping move with a neat finish for his first of the season.
Rich Wellard admitted that is side could barely have started the season better. 'Top after five games is good enough, but we're unbeaten, scoring a lot of goals and already have a bit of a cushion over everyone but Kidderminster. Not a bad way to end our first month of league football!'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 7; Croft 8, Carslake 7, Parry 8, Maley 7; Garai 8; Keeble 7, Toure 8; Salenko 9, McDougald 8, Naylor 8. Subs Senda 7, McMennamin 7, Vaughan 8.

Goals : Salenko 2, Naylor 36, Carslake 70(P), Vaughan 87. Randall 56


RICH'S WEEK

Easy, this League lark, isn't it. Top of the table, Manager of the Month, player of the month for Richard Naylor, unbeaten and with 15 goals scored. It really couldn't be better; the trick now is to keep it going. We've got a tough one next week when we entertain Reading here, and i'm already concerned about Kidderminster as they look a fearsomely good side, but hey, we'll accept second!
Not a lot else to be said; all the lads are playing well, especially the forwards, and the mood at the club is very optimistic right now. A measure of how happy i am is the fact i haven't bought anyone in a couple of weeks. in fact, I might not buy anyone for a while as we seem to have most avenues covered. Never say never though.

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder 7/9/03

Rampant Reds March On

Dagenham & Redbridge 4 Reading 1

Dagenham continued their magnificent start to the season with a second succesive 4-1 victory, this time against pre season favourites Reading. Despite the away side offering somewhat more fight than Rochdale last week, the Reds were always going to win this one comfortably, the forwards running riot as the Reading defence struggled to deal with them. Executor in chief was Oleg Salenko, the big Russian continuing his golden run of form with two superb strikes, one in each half. However, the Red's top scorer this season is now centre back Matthew Carslake, who grabbed his third and fourth of the season either side of half time, the second another penalty. Paul Butler did grab a consolation for the Royals, but in the end they were well beaten.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 6; Croft 7, Carslake 10, Parry 9, Maley 9; Garai 7; Keeble 8, Toure 7; Salenko 10, McDougald 7, Naylor 8. Subs Senda 6, McMennamin 7, Crosby 8.

Goals Salenko 8, 61. Carslake 37, 55(P). Butler 73

MOM Salenko

retired_embartl

What a way to start your first season in league football! Certainly going well - and with one less competition to worry about as well! :thup:

*Makes mental note - keep an eye out for Oleg Salenko on earlier incarnations of CM :eek:*

rmoore

BoN - Cheers for the support - i'm surprised too. Thought we'd do ok but it's one of the best starts to a season i've ever had...

Oleg Salenko is an old fave of mine... cheap, easy (ish) to get & doesn't need a work permit... worth it for the kudos of having an international striker alone


Dagenham Recorder, 11/9/03

Lacklustre Daggers escape with narrow victory

Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Blackpool 1

The Reds just about managed to maintain their unbeaten start to the season at Victoria Road yesterday, but a dogged Blackpool side made them fight all the way, and were unlucky not to take home at least a point. The home side were minus regular keeper Willy Gueret, who picked up a slight strain in the warm up, and his young deputy Paul Rachubka was tested early on by Blackpool's potent front pairing of Furlong and Suffo. The home side struggled to find any sort of rhythm, although the three front men again looked dangerous, and it was Blackpool who took a deserved lead through on loan forward Lee Mills. Pool could have doubled their lead before half time, but for an excellent stoop from Rachubka to deny Willem Korsten, and it was a dejected Daggers who trudged off at the whistle. However, another inspirational team talk seemed to do the trick, winger Alioune Toure equalizing almost from the kick off wiith his first for the club, and the Reds suddenly threatened to overrun the visitors. Richard Naylor, again impressive, hit the bar twice in as many minutes before substitute Colin McMennamin poked home a Garai cross for the eventual winner. Mills and Suffo both had shots saved by Rachubka before the end, but the Daggers held on for the three points.
After the game, Rich Wellard admitted his side weren't at their best, but praised stand in keeper Paul Rachubka for his performance. 'We could easily have lost that if Paul hadn't been alert. As debuts go that was pretty decent. credit to Blackpool, they made it hard for us, but i think considering the standard of our link play, we should have been pretty comfortable'.

Recorder ratings (4-1-2-3) Rachubka 8; Croft 6, Carslake 8, Parry 7, Maley 7; Garai 8; Keeble 7, Toure 8; Salenko 8, McDougald 7, Naylor 9. Subs McMennamin 8, Senda 7, Vaughan 7.

Goals : Toure 46, McMennamin 71. Mills 35

MOM Naylor


Dagenham Recorder, 13/9/03

Reds streak maintained by McDougald

Hartlepool United 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

A breathtaking effort from Junior McDougald finally settled an absorbing tie between two industrious & creative sides. United, backed by a large & vociferous home support, made quick inroads into the solid Daggers back line, Darius Henderson skipping away from left back Adam Eaton to grab an early lead. The Reds equalised within seconds however, on loan Adrian Clarke rattling in a ferocious drive from 25 yards after good work from Aaron McLean. Then, on the stroke of half time, McDougald picked up the ball on the half way line. Effortlessly beating two men, the big striker let fly from fully forty yards, a rising drive that beat keeper Chris Weale with something to spare. After such drama the second half was something of an anti-climax, neither side really threatening to score again, although substitute Danny Senda had a header cleared off the line by Pool captain Tommy Widdrington.
The post match buzz was all about McDougald's strike, both managers praising it, with Rich Wellard admitting it was one of the best he had ever seen. 'you rarely see skill like that at this level. I'll be surprised if Junior doesn't get goal of the season for that one...'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 9; Eaton 7, Carslake 7, Marshall 8, Crooks 7; Nicholson 7; Clarke 7, Toure 7; McLean 7, McDougald 8, Naylor 8. Subs Salenko 6, McMennamin 6, Senda 7.

Goals : Henderson 7. Clarke 8, McDougald 45

MOM Henderson


RICH'S WEEK

Hard to know what to praise first, our form or Junior's wonder strike. Having said that, the papers have been full of the latter so i'll concentrate on our form. I still can't quite believe we've got 22 points from eight games. But i can believe even less the fact that we're still second! Kidderminster are on fire at the moment, they've got the same points as us and, after putting seven past Lincoln last week, even have a better goal difference. Still, can't really complain...it's already looking a two horse race, and if we can keep our form up we have to be loking good for promotion. Of course, now i've said this eight games into the season we'll end up mid table or worse...
Player wise i couldn't be happier. The forwards are looking sharp, the defence is pretty solid, and the midfield is certainly better than it has been. We're conceding too regularly for my liking, but then we are an attacking side. I'm also employing a rotation system (probably a first in Division 3), but nobody has complained yet, and everyone knows that if they play well they'll stay there.
All positives looking into October then. We're probably getting a bit over-confident (i know i am), but we're playing such good football at the moment it's hard not to. Let's hope we keep it up.

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 21/9/03

Confident Daggers Secure Record Equalling Victory

Dagenham & Redbridge 3 Halifax Town 1

The Reds eased to a comfortable victory to equal their best ever start to a season; but a bad injury to key midfielder Alioune Toure could hurt them in the long run.
the Daggers never really found themselves under threat from a Huddersfield side devoid of ideas or inspiration, and in fairness could have won more comfortably than they did. The home side grabbed all three of their goals in nineteen first half minutes, a bullet header from Junior McDougald being followed by a neat finish from Alioune Toure and a first goal for centre back Scott Marshall. Despite easing off after the break, the Reds still looked the more likely side to score, and Richard Naylor was unfortunate to see a powerful volley come back off the bar. Halifax did manage to grab a scrappy late consolation, but the main news from the half was the sight of influential midfielder Toure carried off with what looked like a severe knee injury. Although a post match scan revealed there was no ligament damage, the Frenchman will be out for at least four weeks.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 8; Eaton 6, Carslake 8, Marshall 9, Crooks 7; Nicholson 7; Clarke 6, Toure 7; Salenko 8, McDuogald 8, Naylor 8. Subs McLean 6, Crosby 7, Senda 6.

Goals McDougald 23, Toure 35, Marshall 42. Hayward 89

MOM Marshall



Dagenham Recorder, 28/9/03

Gueret Injury sours Record victory.

Mansfield Town 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

Daggers posted their best ever start to a season wiith this narrow victory, but face at least four games without first choice keeper Willy Gueret after the French stopper was involved in an ugly collision with opposition front man Brett Angell.
In a game largely devoid of inspiration, an uncharacteristically lethargic Reds side were lucky to open the scoring after 22 minutes, a speculative drive from Junior McDougald finding the net via a wicked deflection off the back of home captain Alistair Asher. Mansfield looked the more sprightly side in the first half, and were rewarded just before the break when Andy Jones headed home a Carl Laurie corner. Neither side improved in the second period, but things might have changed with ten minutes to go as Gueret suffered a concussion after a clash of heads with Angell. Having already used all three subs, Daggers had no choice but to put Scott Marshall in goal, but resolute defending and a couple of good saves from the big man kept things level. Then, in the 93rd minute, substitute Aaron McLean broke away from the home defence to run 60 yards and slot home an unlikely winner for the ten men. Rich Wellard was justifiably proud of his men at the end of the game, admitting that he expected the worst after the injury. 'I think Scott just became fourth choice keeper after that! I've never seen him move so well... great respect to the lads today, that was tough and they came through well. These are the sort of games we need to win if we're going to keep up our form.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 9; Croft 7, Parry 8, Marshall 7, Maley 8; Garai 7; Keeble 6, Dalglish 7; Salenko 7, McDougald 8, Naylor 8. Subs Vaughan 6, Carslake 7, McLean 8.

Goals jones 41. McDougald 28, McLean 90.

MOM Asher

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 5/10/03

Spirited Cheltenham fail to ruffle Daggers

Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Cheltenham Town 1

The Red's maintained their unbeaten league record for a further game yesterday afternoon; but a below par performance was almost exploited by promotion rivals Cheltenham, who were unlucky not to get a point.
In a first half of little inspiration and fewer chances, the away side looked the more lively, quicksilver winger Scott Huckerby and Portuguese front man Kiwi both seeing good efforts saved by the excellent Paul Rachubka. Daggers failed to get in to their stride immediately after the break as well, and they were finally punished when midfielder Tony Naylor eased the ball home after excellent work by Huckerby. However, from then o the Daggers began to show something like their true form, with Salenko beginning to threaten and Jamie Parry commanding at the back. When the equaliser came, it was from the surprise source of young Juan Antonio Garai, volleying home a superb cross from Mark Maley. Within two minutes the Reds had struck the decisive blow, the dangerous Oleg Salenko thumping home a free kick from 30 yards out. The home side closed the game out following the last goal, although Cheltenham were unfortunate to see a Kiwi header come back off Rachubka's left hand post in stoppage time.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) : Rachubka 8; Croft 7, Carslake 8, Parry 10, Maley 8; Garai 8; Clarke 6, Dalglish 7; Salenko 8, Naylor 7, McDougald 7. Subs Keeble 6, Senda 7, Vaughan 7.

Goals Garai 70, Salenko 72. T Naylor 53

MOM Parry


Dagenham Recorder, 12/10/03

Parry knock sours another excellent win

Torquay United 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 3

The Reds bounced back from an early setback to record their ninth win on the spin, but the result was soured by yet another injury to a key player, as centre back Jamie Parry limped off at half time with a hamstring problem. The Reds were ahead by this point, despite a fine individual effort by on loan Steven Sidwell which put the home side up inside 40 seconds. A double by the increasingly impressive Oleg Salenko, the second of them a glorious overhead kick, came either side of a header from Torquay youngster Kevin Brandon, but the Daggers finished the half ahead thanks to a stoppage time drive from Richard Naylor.
After such a frenetic first 45 minutes, the game tailed off somewhat in the second half, with Torquay sitting back and looking for a goal on the counter attack, and the Daggers offence repeatedly thwarted by veteran keeper Kevin Pilkington. Paul Rachubka, again looking a more than competent deputy, had to make a late block from Alex Russell, but the Reds held on with some ease.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) : Rachubka 8; Croft 6, Parry 7, Carslake 7, Maley 6; Garai 6; Keeble 8, Senda 7; Salenko 9, Naylor 8, Mcdougald 7. Subs Marshall 7, Duffy 6, Vaughan 7.

Goals Sidwell 1, Brandon 17. Salenko 9, 30, Naylor 45.

MOM Salenko


RICH'S WEEK

Shame about all these injuries, they're threatening to derail us somewhat... great respect to the lads that they've managed to keep our winning streak going throughout it all. The league is increasingly looking like a straight fight between ourselves and Kidderminster, although Rotherham are only a few points back...if i've got any complaints at the moment, it's the number of goals we're letting in. We always seem to win by the odd goal in three, or five; not that i mind, but a clean sheet or two would do wonders for our goal difference.
We've got a midweek against Macclesfield in a couple of days, then three games in the next seven. After that we should be able to tell whether we are genuinely going for the title this year. Three wins out of four will do me, and should be achievable given the opposition, but i'm not about to assume that we're uunbeatable (despite what the stats suggest!)

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 15/10/03

Daggers shocked by Mustoe late show

Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Macclesfield Town 1

Dagenham's 12 game unbeaten start to the season came to a surprise end in last night's game at Victoria Road, courtesy of a goal from former Middlesbrough man Robbie Mustoe. The Reds will feel somewhat hard done by after seeing two goals disallowed, but the visitors turned in a disciplined performance and deserved to get something out of the game.
with the Reds' fearsome forward trio looking slightly jaded after their herculean efforts at the weekend, it was young midfielder Juan Antonio Garai who motivated the home side as they searched for a breakthrough. Indeed, it was a defence splitting ball from the 18 year old that put Richard Naylor in to slot home in the 32nd minute, only for the referee to pull play back for a dubious offside. Ten minutes into the second half, the same combination set up Salenko, but again the goal was stricken off, this time for a push by Naylor. The Reds continued to press, but were undone with eight minutes left when Mustoe climbed highest for a corner to beat the stranded Rachubka.
Rich Wellard was philosophical about the defeat; 'It had to come i suppose. It's dissapointing it was at home, and in truth we could and should have got something out of the game, but the important thing is we focus on the run of games we've got coming up. We need to get right back up and win them if possible, otherwise we could see ourselves falling out of the promotion race.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) : Rachubka 6; nicholson 6, Marshall 7, Carslake 8, Maley 7; Garai 8; Keeble 7, Senda 6; Salenko 6, Naylor 7, Mcdougald 7. Subs Dalglish 6, Vaughan 7, Croft 6.

Goal Mustoe 82

MOM O Neill


www.daggersonline.net. 17/10/03

Wellard responds to defeat with new faces

Although it would be churlish of us to suggest that Rich Wellard has responded to our first defeat of the season by flashing the cash, it is true that the club announced three new arrivals today. they are Martin Taylor, a 17 year old forward who joins for 12k from Burton Albion, Andrew Mainwaring, another front player who comes on a free from Newport County, and Johan Pater, a 21 year old dutch midfielder from PSV Eindhoven. The latter two are on initial nine month deals, with an option to extend if they succeed.