Daggers v Cheltenham

Well yesterday could well be the worst game of the season so far for us Daggers and I can imagine there a few like myself still hurting from the result. I was going into the game with a bit of hope due to Cheltenham's recent form and the fact I felt our performances had been a little bit better lately. The Daggers made two changes to the side that were defeated by Oxford on Tuesday night as the impressive Medhi Elito and ex Gresley man Brian Woodall came in for tricky winger Dominic Green and former Palace graduate Billy Bingham. This meant the Daggers reverted to going back to 4-4-2 in oppose to the recent 4-3-3 that has been used in recent weeks. Cheltenham made 3 changes to the side that lost to Torquay in midweek as they welcomed back the experienced centre half Steve Elliot, journeyman Josh Low and ex Bournemouth striker Jeff Goulding which forced the discplined Keith Lowe, on loan James Spencer and Scottishman Daryl Duffy out of the starting eleven.

With 3 hours sleep, I decided to resume the drinking session just after 1 in the clubhouse as I watched the early FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Birmingham. I then bumped into Fenners from Take It Like A Fan who were at the Daggers yesterday on my way out into the ground, really don't understand why all these famous people want their pictures with me? The Daggers had the early exchanges with two half chances from ex Colchester winger Medhi Elito and the dangerous Brian Woodall which gave the Daggers some confidence to settle into the game. Cheltenham were professional and then came into the game themselves where a last ditch tackle prevented ex Kidderminster midfielder Russell Penn from taking a lead. The promising Daggers keeper Chris Lewington was then at full stretch as to prevent the returning Jeff Goulding. However, it wasn't long before the visitors took the lead as ex Argyle midfielder Luke Summerfield picked up the ball from a corner and hit a rocket shot into the top corner. The Daggers were right under the cosh at this point and ex Leatherhead stopper Lewy was scrambling in his goal soon after he just about managed to keep out a long goal kick from the Robins keeper Scott P Brown. Mark Yates men soon doubled their lead as the Daggers failed to clear their lines and ex Gashead centre half Steve Elliott captilised to slot the ball past Lewy.

The teams shook hands before kick off...

The Daggers almost got back into the game as striker Brian Woodall squandered a header from 9 yards to give Daggers a bit of hope. However, the games major turning point was to come, after a sloppy header back from experienced centre half Scott Doe, Lewy attempted to grab the ball in order to prevent the oncoming Cheltenham striker from taking the ball. Unfortunately, Lewy found himself out of his box and was consequently shown a straight red card for deliberate handball. A tight decision that was made by Football League debutant referee Mr Mohareb was judged to be the right decision on the television replays. Things then went from bad to worse for us as sub keeper Dave Hogan came on for winger Elito and his first action into the game was parrying the resulting free kick straight into the pathway of Welshman Kaid Mohamed who made it 3-0. The Daggers then were completley stunned as January acquistion Mickey Spillane missed a header and a few rash challenges were made just before the break.

Take It Like A Fan attempted to lighten the mood...

A dejected Daggers side came out to attempt to survive another 45 minutes with just 10 men and little hope for getting back into this game. The pace of the game was a lot slower as Cheltenham relaxed enjoying some good possession while the Daggers huffed and puffed. The 4th goal came just after the half hour mark as the promising left back Femi failed to clear the ball and allow James Spencer the chance to smash home a 4th. This is where my match report on the game ends as I couldn't take anymore, I never condemn leaving a game early but the way the match had gone was too much for me to handle. I watch this team week in, week out and it means so much to me so would not call myself unloyal for my actions. I drowned my sorrows in the clubhouse as it came up that Cheltenham had added a 5th to the game. I did watch the 5th goal later which summed up our day as Daggers defender Mickey Spillane deflected the ball into his own net.

Reflecting on this game, this defeat will live long in the memory as it hurt to see our boys get absolutely demolished and being outclassed by another side in this league. We returned to the bottom of the league on goal difference despite Northampton not being in action which made the day even worse. We travel to relegation rivals Plymouth next week in a vital make or break game this season. Win it and this week's result will be forgotten, draw it and we have a standing chance and if we lose it, it is unthinkable and it will be a long road to safety. A lot of the players tweeted expressing their feelings on the game apologising to the fans, next week is the time to turn things round. All is not lost yet but this defeat will have drained a lot of confidence from us all. I will address you in the week regarding the game at Home Park next week which I will be attending as always. Take care. Stay Positive.

Myself with Fenners from Take It Like A Fan.