Daggers v Rotherham Match Report

Daggers 3-2 Rotherham

From a personal perspective, this was the best weekend in 2012 for me so far. The Daggers win being the stand out highlight of course. After waking up hungover from celebrating one good friend's 18th, I decided to get back on the beer with my full English in the local cafe at around 11 o'clock or as I like to call it "Beer O'clock". We met up with a few Southend fans who had come down for the day with their own team not in action due to Swindon's FA Cup run. We soon made it into the clubhouse for more drinking and to watch the early game of Liverpool v Man Utd. I have to say that the clubhouse had a real good spirit about it pre match as I spoke to many other Daggers fans and two first team players Jake Reed and Eion Wearen about the season's expectations. While, myself and the players were upbeat about our chances of staying up, many fans were fairly negative and fearing the worst.

I went into the ground around 2:50pm as in the spirit of "Football Day", I'd much rather be enjoying a drink with other fans then watching the players warm up. The Daggers made one change to their side as we welcomed back 2nd top goalscorer Brian Woodall as Adam Cunnington dropped to the bench. The Daggers were also boosted by the return of Josh Scott to the bench who made a telling impact later on. Andy Scott made 4 changes to the side that were defeated by Port Vale a week ago with ex Walsall man Mark Bradley coming in for Dale Tonge, Richard Naylor coming in for Johnny Mullins, on loan Palace winger coming in for Marcus Marshall and ex Huddersfield midfielder Danny Schofield being replaced by Danny Harrison.

Here comes the sides..

The teams shake hands before kick off..

The Daggers looked a bit flat in the opening stages which therefore brought a lot of negativity among the terraces which seems to be the norm these days. The first chance fell to the South Yorkshire side as the lethal Lewis Grabaan wasted a free chance after 6 minutes. Two more chances soon fell to the Millers as Lewy was back to his best staying equal to a one on one from Grabaan and comfortably saving a tame effort from midfielder Jason Taylor. Daggers first effort on the on loan Chelsea keeper Rhys Taylor's goal was from young Billy Bingham whose long ranged effort did nothing to trouble Taylor. However, Rotherham soon took a deserved lead in a goal where I have to self confess that I missed but have now watched the highlights many times to report on it. After two failed attempts to clear it from Abu Ogogo and holding midfielder Ahmed Abdulla, midfielder Danny Harrison who seems to have a habit of scoring against the Daggers put the ball past Lewy's reach. The Daggers had their young promising keeper to thank as he managed to keep out the highly rated Alex Revell just before the break as the Daggers went in only one down thankfully.

Abu Ogogo and Sam Wood tussle for possession.

After another unacceptable lacklustre half from the Daggers, something needed to change and credit where credit's due, Still got this one right. He introduced Josh Scott in place of the ineffective Ahmed Abdulla to go 4-4-2, with an attacking line up of Nurse and Montano on either wing with Woodall and Scott up front with the influential Abu Ogogo going into the midfield alongside Billy Bingham.The Daggers suddenly looked much more lively and 5 minutes into the second half, an inviting free kick from ex Brentford man Mickey Spillane found the persistent Jon Nurse who headed home. The Daggers quickly then nearly took the lead as Josh Scott couldn't find the connection to trouble Welsh under 18 international Rhys Taylor in the Rotherham goal. The Daggers did then soon take the lead due to fortunate circumstances as Abu Ogogo's shot took a decisive deflection of Mark Bradley to wrong foot Taylor and give the Daggers the lead. Cue massive celebrations from everyone in the terraces including myself...

However, just like Wembley I should have known not to get too excited when taking the lead against Rotherham as history repeated itself as Andy Scott's men equalised a minute later as the Daggers defence switched off allowing ex Dagger Scott Griffiths too much space to find Alex Revell who headed past Chris Lewington. Rotherham had a half chance before our winner as Grabban's effort was deflected away. However, after some good work from the impressive Mickey Spillane, Daggers forced a corner as Scott Doe flicked his header into the Rotherham goal after a cross from Cristian Montano a lot like Doe's equaliser at the Don Valley Stadium in the reverse fixture. Unlike the 2nd goal, I hardly celebrated our winner in a cool Villas-Boas style as even I was unsure whether we would hold on with just over 10 minutes left. Lewington did manage to keep the Millers out for the remaining 10 minutes with late efforts from Revell and Jason Taylor failing to find the net. The only other notable event was the sending off of ex Stockport man Michael Raynes as he received a second yellow card after a minor scuffle with Spillane. The final whistle was a massive relief for myself as just like Wembley it finished Dagenham 3, Rotherham 2.

The scuffle that resulted in the sending off of Michael Raynes.

This was far from Daggers best performance and I am sure we have played better than this and lost this season but I am willing to accept we rode our luck in this one and got a vital 3 points which took us out of the bottom 2 once again. John Still hopefully proved his doubters wrong as the introduction of Josh Scott up front and Abu Ogogo into the centre of midfield was the difference. We have a long way to go in this season but I have always believed we have the ability and potential to get out of this. Abu Ogogo was awarded man of the match of the match however I believe Mickey Spillane or Chris Lewington could have easily been awarded this prize as well. The team that played second half have more than enough ability to win games in this league whilst we wait for the return of the likes of Gain, Maher, Howell and Green. Commiserations to the decent Rotherham away following who will feel hard done by on Saturday where they should have took at least a point. Apologies for the report being a day late but I was a little worse for ware yesterday as I celebrated another good friend's 18th and the Daggers victory on Saturday night. We go to Morecambe next week where I shall address you all later in the week.

Daggers v Rotherham - Preview

Tomorrow, the Daggers entertain Rotherham United Football Club in another Npower League Two Fixture. The Millers will always hold a special place in the Daggers history as they are the club we beat at Wembley in the League Two Play Off Final 2010. I've also respected the Millers fans after their overwhelming support they brought to Wembley even more than us despite ourselves being considerably closer in distance to the home of football. A big issue in their club in recent years has been their moving of home grounds, Rotherham played at the traditional Millmoor for 101 years which I'm told was a great atmosphere and typical Yorkshire ground however in 2008 they were forced to move grounds and they were forced to play outside of Rotherham and in Sheffield at the Don Valley Stadium. I was fortunate enough to visit the Don Valley Stadium this year which is mainly designed for athletics with a full running track around it, as you can imagine the view and atmosphere was somewhat restricted as you are a considerable distance from the pitch. Thankfully, for the club they are set to return to Rotherham next season in The New York Stadium which is located in the Rotherham town centre and is set to hold just under 19,000.

My view at the Don Valley in the reverse fixture this season.

Recent Form

Rotherham, managed by former Brentford manager Andy Scott currently sit in 13th place, just 5 points off the play offs. Despite this, the Millers have had some indifferent form coming into tomorrow's encounter, they have lost 3 of their 4 league games and have lost their last two games at home to Swindon and Port Vale. Currently showing the signs of a mid table side in need for a bit of consistency to make any real attempt for the play offs as they have won 10, drew 7 and lost 9 with 4 of their wins coming on the road this season. Their top scorer is ex Millwall striker Lewis Grabaan who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season and is being tracked by many League One sides as well as high flyers Crawley Town in League Two.

The Daggers are also suffering a bad run of form with 3 consecutive defeats in the league as they were defeated once again on Tuesday night away to Torquay. The Daggers will be desperate to end this losing run after suffering 5 defeats and 7 defeats in a row this season, any losing run similar to them will surely make the task of Daggers survival near impossible.

Previous Meetings

Despite the famous win at Wembley being the best day of my life, it was in fact the first and only time the Daggers have beat Rotherham in 8 attempts with the South Yorkshire side coming out on top 5 times with 2 draws also. The last time we met Rotherham at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium, it was in fact my 16th birthday on the 13th March as we were beaten 1-0 with the goal coming from born goalscorer and now Reading man Adam Le Fondre. The Daggers were also defeated in the reverse fixture this year 3-1 with a brace from the prolific Lewis Grabaan and a goal from ex Bradford midfielder Gareth Evans while the Daggers centre half Scott Doe was on the scoresheet for us.

A picture from the famous day at Wembley 2010.

Team News

The Daggers are rumoured to be welcoming star man Brian Woodall back tomorrow after he missed out away at Torquay in midweek. There could also be a place on the bench for Josh Scott who has been out injured lately. Tricky winger Dominic Green is expected to be out for a few weeks with the fitness of Wembley hero Jon Nurse unknown as he was struggling at the Torquay game on Tuesday. The experienced Peter Gain and ex MK Dons midfielder Luke Howell are looking to return in the next month while Kevin Maher is looking at early March for his return. This should mean the only likely change to the side will be Woodall in for the inexperienced Adam Cunnington while it could be skipper Arber's first game back at Victoria Road since the disastrous 5-2 defeat at home to Aldershot back in October.

Rotherham have boosted their squad this week as they have brought in Crystal Palace winger Kieron Cadogan on loan while they have also recently signed left back and arguably the best full back I've seen play for the Daggers Scott Griffiths who returns to Victoria Road for the first time. Andy Scott is also sweating on the fitness of the impressive Gareth Evans who faces a late fitness test, ex Leeds man centre half Richard Taylor may make his debut tomorrow as Andy Scott desperately needs a win to save his job. Also, journeyman Ryan Cresswell and midfielder Mark Bradley are pushing returns.

Ex Dagger Scott Griffiths is expected to start for Rotherham tomorrow.

One to watch:
In a very exciting and talented squad, I have picked ex Brentford winger Sam Wood as the one to watch as I have watched him for 3 years now and have always found him a handful to deal with. The Kent born midfielder came through the ranks of non league through Cray Wanderers and Bromley where he spent 6 years in the non league circuit. Wood then got his move into the Football League where he was an integral part of the Brentford's League Two Championship winning campaign in the season of 2008/2009. He recently went on loan out at the Millers where he has just made his move permanent.

Sam Wood is the one to watch tomorrow.

Prediction:

Every match is a massive game for us now as we aim to avoid suffering a soul crushing back to back relegations. Tomorrow is an excellent chance to get a surprise victory against an under pressure Andy Scott and Rotherham. It is massively important the fans get behind the team tomorrow and avoid negativity spreading to the players. Despite some people thinking we are unable to win a game without one of Peter Gain and Kevin Maher, we must go on without them for now and I believe the first goal of tomorrow's game will be a big factor. If we were to take the lead tomorrow, I believe it would cause huge panic in an already nervous Rotherham side. I am also looking forward to Captain Fantastic Mark Arber silencing some of his critics from earlier in the season as he faces the tricky front two of Lewis Grabaan and ex Orient man Alex Revell. The match report of the game will be on here Sunday at some point as I recover from a hangover after celebrating Daggers 3 points. Keep the Faith. Stay Positive.

Torquay v The Daggers - Preview

Tomorrow night the Daggers travel to Torquay United Football Club as they play the Gulls in a rearranged fixture that was due to be played on Saturday 7th January but was forced to be rearranged due to the Daggers FA Cup tie with Millwall. Torquay are in their 3rd season in the Football League after getting promoted back into the Football League in the 2008/2009 season in a 2-0 win over Cambridge United in the Conference play off final. Torquay only spent two years in the Conference after losing their 80 year Football League status when they went down in 2007. Torquay, managed by former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling may consider themselves to be unlucky to be playing in the basement of the Football League after losing last year's League Two Play Off Final to Stevenage narrowly 1-0. The club was then managed by Paul Buckle who decided to leave the club in the summer to take over at Bristol Rovers where he won 6 of his first 23 games at the Memorial and was later sacked, something that may have delighted many Torquay fans. The Devon club play at Plainmoor which holds just over 6,000 and they currently sit in 6th position in the Npower League Two.

Ex Torquay boss Paul Buckle, apparently my lookalike? I fail to see it personally...

Recent Form

Torquay finally moved into the play offs on Saturday after winning their 3rd game on the road this year at Morecambe 2-1. In fact due to our rearranged game with Ling's men, tomorrow night's game is their first home game of 2012. They do have a 100% record in 2012 so far winning all 3 games away 2-1 to Plymouth, Macclesfield and Morecambe. Torquay have only lost twice at home all season and haven't lost since October at home either making it not the most welcoming place for away sides this year. They are also on a 5 match unbeaten run where they have only dropped two points just to make Daggers feel reassured for tomorrow night's encounter.

The Daggers slipped back into the bottom two on Saturday after slumping to a 2nd successive league defeat as they were beat by Crewe 4-1 away from home. The Daggers have now conceded a total of 10 goals in their last 3 games in all competitions which will be of worry to John Still who currently has his first choice back 5 including the goalkeeper. The Daggers currently sit in 23rd one point from safety and a win would pull them back out of the bottom two above Plymouth.

Previous Meetings

The Daggers met Torquay earlier in the season in where it was the cliche of a "game of two halves" as the Daggers dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead through injury stricken Sam Williams while the visitors on the day dominated the second half and equalised from the penalty spot as striker Rene Howe converted from the spot after being fouled by South African Mark Arber. The two sides have only previously met 3 times in the Football League where the Daggers have never been beaten by tomorrow's opponents as they met in Dagger's play off winning season as they beat Torquay 5-3 at Victoria Road and played out a stalemate at the reverse fixture at Plainmoor. Hopefully a good omen for tomorrow's game, as you can see I'm trying to take any positives I can !

Sam Williams was the goalscorer last time we played Torquay.

Team News

Martin Ling has the luxury of a fully fit squad with all 22 players fit for the Gulls. He will be expected to pick the same side that were victorious at The Globe Arena on Saturday. This would suggest that Ling will then stick with his formation of 4-1-4-1 as skipper Lee Mansell occupies the holding midfield role. Both Torquay's oversea players Austrian goalkeeper Robert Olejnik and Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno are set to retain their places also.

The Daggers have a mixture of news in regards to injury for tomorrow night's game as it has been rumoured that ex Peterborough man Dom Green, in form Brian Woodall and ever present Jon Nurse are all carrying injuries and will not be risked tomorrow. However, there is also rumours that key man Josh Scott may return after the Crewe game coming too soon for him. The team is anyone's guess with Still possibly having to name another makeshift side for the game tomorrow. I don't like to make excuses and am a firm believer that you are only as strong as your weakest link but we do seem to be having terrible luck with injuries at the moment. Long term injuries Luke Howell, Sam Williams, Kevin Maher and Peter Gain all remain sidelined.

My One To Watch:

As the Gulls are a good side in the play off positions, there was many candiates for the one to watch but I have selected is Torquay winger Danny Stevens. I have admired the ex Luton Town man who was on the books at Spurs as a kid for a long time and always seems to be one of my first signings when playing Fifa Career Mode for a lower league side. Stevens has been at Plainmoor since 2007 and has made 146 appearences for the Gulls scoring 15 goals, one being on Saturday at Morecambe. The tricky winger can play on either wing and is a really talented footballer who I believe could play at the next level. Only 5ft2, the Enfield born lad is 25 years old and will be a real handful for either left back Femi or right back Abu Ogogo whichever wing he plays on tomorrow night.

Danny Stevens is one of Torquay's prized assets in my opinion.

My Prediction

Being realistic, tomorrow night is going to be a real tall order as we play one of the better sides in this league. If the rumours that another 3 first team players are out are true, it will make the task even more difficult for our injury hit side at the moment. Despite this I always remain upbeat and positive and while we have players with the talent that on loan West Ham man Cristiano Montano has, we always have on outlet and a possible goal in us. While, we go into the game as underdogs you never know in football and any positive result for us tomorrow would be a massive boost. I am also expecting ex Leatherhead man Chris Lewington to have a good game tomorrow as his costly error which knocked him on Saturday will make him mentally stronger for the game tomorrow, the sign of a good player is one that comes back from his mistakes stronger. Keep the Faith. Stay Positive.

Unfortunately, due to Sixth Form commitments I cannot make tomorrow's game in Torquay so there will be no match report for this one but will post on Friday a preview of the game at home to Rotherham. Unless there are any other more rearranged games, I should be at all of the remaining 19 games of this league season so this is a rare occasion where I'm missing tomorrow's match.

Crewe Away: Ground 42

Crewe 4-1 Daggers

I set off with my little brother Chaz at around 9 o'clock in order to get to Dagenham East to get the tube to Euston and eventually meet the Bognor Daggers Chris, Matt, Joe & Michael to catch our train to Crewe. We arrived in Cheshire just before one where the station was literally minutes away from Gresty Road. We were advised to go to the Royal Hotel but decided in the true lower league spirit we would go into the social club next to the ground which was very friendly with a mix of both groups of supporters as we settled down to watch the early game between Norwich and Chelsea. Fellow blogger Nick came in shortly afterwards having made the journey up on the supporter's coach as we discussed our thoughts on today's game. We were then approached by the Crewe tannoy man who required assistance in pronouncing ex AFC Wimbledon man Oluwafemi Ilesanmi and on loan West Ham youngster's Ahmed Abdulla and Eion Wearen's names.

Early start for Crewe - view from my bedroom window

We made our way into the ground just after half 2 and my first impressions was that it was a tidy little ground that had one really impressive stand that towered over the rest which was the Air Products stand. With a capacity of 10,153 and an average crowd of 3,500, it was always going to look slightly empty as we were given the whole of the Blue Bell BMW stand which was more than accommodating for our average 100 away following. The team news was soon announced by our new northern friend the tannoy man as the Railwaymen made just one change to the team that beat Oxford away last week as the match winner from that game Greg Pearson was rewarded a start meaning the England U18 international Nick Powell was forced out on the wing while Crewe born Danny Shelley was dropped to the bench. Another Crewe graduate AJ Leitch-Smith also returned to the bench from injury. The Daggers made two changes from their FA Cup encounter against Millwall as Colombian Cristian Montano was eligible to play and in form Brian Woodall returned to the side with utility man Richard Rose and winger DJ Green making way. With Still having to return to only having 5 substitutes he went with the bench including Hogan, Arbs, Rose, Wearen and Cunnington.

The teams took to the pitch...

The game started with the home side dominating most of the possession as they played some neat Arsenal-esque passing style football in the early periods. Despite Steve Davis' men's possession, they failed to trouble the organised Daggers as efforts from midfielder Luke Murphy and the confident Nick Powell were unsuccessful in troubling Kent born keeper Chris Lewington. It was the Essex club who took the lead on 16 minutes as the persistent Brian Woodall blocked ex Morecambe man David Artell's clearance to then add a sublime finish past the experienced Steve Phillips to give John Still's men the lead. This unfazed Crewe as they continued to stick to their delightful passing style and again created a chance from the threatening Luke Murphy who dragged his effort wide. The Daggers were content with playing on the break away from home as Wembley hero Jon Nurse forced Phillips into a save after some good build up play from Montano and Femi. With Daggers playing into the wind, the ball was holding up well for Alexandra as Lewington did well to punch an inviting cross from Crewe academy man Ashley Westwood.

 Ex Arsenal man Abu Ogogo was doing well to keep the highly rated Nick Powell quiet but he did manage to force Lewy into a save just after the half hour mark to give the Daggers a warning. Crewe were starting to get through a resolute Daggers defence as some good footwork from the tricky Byron Moore past left back Femi enforced a reflex save from Lewy once again. Just as it was looking as the Daggers were going to hold out for the break, Crewe equalised as suspected offside David Artell made amends for his earlier error and headed down for the in form Greg Pearson to put the ball past the Daggers keeper Lewy. A massive blow for the Daggers whose shape was looking organised and seemed to have adequately dealt with Alexandra's attacking threats.

The Daggers emerge for the second half...

This was a big second half for the Daggers who really needed to get a foothold in the game and start to enjoy some possession which had been largely dominated by the home side. However, Crewe came out looking the more likely team to score in the early stages of the second half as another good passing move cut open the Daggers defence as Pearson's cross forced a corner which Pearson then had a header which required Daggers winger Dom Green to clear off the line. Both sides then worked the keepers as the exciting Luke Murphy forced a good save from Lewington while the fairly quiet Montano sharply turned to force Phillips into a save. Still then made two changes in 5 minutes as he withdrew half fit Brian Woodall and ineffective Dom Green for ex Kettering man Adam Cunnington and Irish Eion Wearen respectively.

Then came the game changing moment as the strong Abu Ogogo dispossessed Powell to play a back pass back to Lewy, the wind then went up as there was a bobble in the pitch and the young keeper completely missed the ball as it rolled into the net. A moment that Daggers most in form player will want to forget as you would have to feel sympathy for the promising youngster. Despite, the Daggers obviously wounded, we then had our best spell of the game as substitute Cunnington's clever flick was unlucky to not find the back of the net. The Barbados international Jon Nurse then sprung into action as he robbed the ball from keeper Phillips only for full back Matt Tootle to head the ball over. There was then a goalmouth scramble where the promising young West Ham midfielder Eion Wearen couldn't get his shot away. The game then was put out of Daggers reach as controversially they conceded a free kick although the ball looked to have gone out before holding midfielder Ahmed Abdulla made the foul to receive a booking. From the resulting free kick, poor marking allowed ex Droylsden centre half Adam Dugdale to be left free as he headed home at the back post. Steve Davis then introduced AJ Leitch-Smith who assisted in the 4th goal for Crewe as he put through the talented Nick Powell who exquisitely put the ball past the unlucky keeper after hesitant defending from the centre half partnership of Scott Doe and Mickey Spillane. The game finished 4-1 as it was another frustrating afternoon for the League Two strugglers.

Me at Gresty Road with my good friend Nick Murphy.

Me and my little brother Chaz at Gresty Road.

As we boarded the train home just after half 5 from Crewe, I started to reflect on the game on which I admit I was hurting as I am becoming increasingly worried about our fate come the end of the season. In a game where we got little luck with the game changing moment being the 2nd goal where I just felt so sorry for our young keeper Lewy who is one of the most promising young keepers around. As I always like to remain upbeat and positive, I did take the positives from the game. I felt apart from the last 10 minutes the shape was good all game and we looked very organised which hasn't always been the case the season. I felt that both full backs played well again as Abu Ogogo and Femi have both been consistent performers the last few games. Ex Brentford man Mickey Spillane also looked our most composed and best player on the ball which did make me question whether with the absence of the experienced Kevin Maher and Peter Gain whether we should bring Spillane into midfield and allow our club captain Mark Arber a way back into the side.

Despite the positives in the game, I felt we lost the game in both boxes where all games are won and lost as Crewe were a joy to watch. The philosophy of their patient passing moves was rather refreshing at this level and looks a great place for any young player to learn their trade playing attractive football. The Railwaymen also had 9 Crewe youth academy graduates in their 16 man squad yesterday showing just how much the club takes pride in producing young homegrown talent and is something we need to see more of at this level. I also felt that a few players in the Daggers side maybe need to reevaluate their performances in particular Jon Nurse and Cristian Montano who didn't have their best games going forward as well as the weak midfield three of Abdulla, Green and Bingham again struggling to make an impact on a very impressive Crewe midfield.

The Daggers fell back into the bottom two after this defeat as Plymouth equalised late on at home to Crawley. We do however have a game in hand at Torquay on Tuesday where games are now running out for the boys. Wins for Barnet, AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers meant they went further adrift from the Daggers as well as Hereford picking up a point at Oxford. We now have 20 games left in this season and I believe we may need 8 wins and 3 draws to ensure safety which is looking a tough ask but not unachievable in my opinion. I believe we need to get Josh Scott back from injury as soon as possible as he seems to bring the best out of wingers Montano and Nurse as well as one of our more experienced central midfielders Maher or Gain to return who are both a month off fitness. I am also unaware of how long Luke Howell is away from fitness who seemed to offer something to the team as well. I will post a preview of Tuesday's encounter with Torquay on Monday however I will not be in attendance of the game on Tuesday night as it will be my first league game missed since the opening day of the season. Keep the faith. Together we have the ability to get out of this. Stay positive.

Crewe v Dagenham - The Preview

Firstly, I'd like to start with introducing myself, my name is Billy Cove, I'm 17 years old and at Sixth Form full time. I had a blog last year which some of you may remember but after the close season I became rather pre occupied with my studies and haven't had time to return to blogging until now. Due to the poor state of my old blog, I have decided to delete it and start a fresh with this new one. I'm now back and dedicated to this blog where I will be aiming to post preview's and match reports of every Daggers match I attend as well as posting about other key footballing issues. As I am off to Crewe tomorrow for my 30th game in attendance out of the 33 competitive games the Daggers have had this season, I will start with my preview with tomorrow's encounter with Crewe Alexandra.

Tomorrow, the Daggers visit Crewe Alexandra FC in what is a new ground for me and my 42nd out of the 92 Premier and Football League Grounds. I am rather excited to be visiting the Alexandra Stadium or as it is most commonly known, Gresty Road as when you say you've got "Crewe Alex away tomorrow", it sounds proper football league. When I think of Crewe I think of their outstanding reputation of bringing quality young potential through their famous youth academy. There are currently two Crewe youth academy graduates playing in our top tier of English football in Fulham skipper Danny Murphy and ex Blackpool, now Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan. Crewe also provided legends of the English game such as Neil Lennon, Robbie Savage and David Platt a platform to enhance their careers. The Cheshire club have produced 27 internationals from their academy with other notable names being ex Liverpool Legend Bruce Grobbelaar, ex Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson and ex Norwich and West Ham striker Dean Ashton. All this success is mainly down to one man Crewe legend Dario Gradi. The Italian born manager has been involved with Crewe for 27 years where he managed them from 1983-2007, only to take over again from 2009-2011 and is now in charge of the youth academy. The 70 year old is literally Mr Crewe Alexandra and has been of great service to the English game.

Crewe Legend, Dario Gradi (MBE)

Recent Form

In recent times, Crewe, who are now managed by ex Northwich and Nantwich man Steve Davis currently sit 13th in League Two just 5 points off the play offs. Crewe have won 3 of their last 4 league games and look in decent form coming into this encounter. While, this may concern the Daggers, they seem far better equiped on the road this season as they have only won 4 times at home this season compared to their 7 wins away from Gresty Road. So far, the Railwaymen are showing signs of midtable mediocre with 11 wins, 3 draws and 12 losses.

After an outstanding Christmas for the Daggers where they took 8 points out a possible 12 with home wins to Barnet and Gillingham as well as draws away at high flyers Burton and Southend, the Daggers felt positive coming into the new year. Unfortunately, this confidence seems to have disappeared after losing in the six pointer to Hereford at home last weekend and getting thrashed 5-0 in midweek at the Den to Championship strugglers Millwall. The Daggers now sit 22nd in League Two and just outside the bottom two on goal difference as they are level on points with Northampton and Plymouth just below them.

The bottom half as it stands..

Previous Meetings

The Daggers met earlier in the season at The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium where they nicked a last minute winner to beat tomorrow's opponent 2-1. Crewe took the lead with 15 minutes remaining through striker Byron Moore only for late goals from ex Yeovil man Sam Williams and the versatile Richard Rose gave Daggers all 3 points. The Daggers may also seem a bogey team to Crewe with a 100% record against them with maximum points taken from the other two league meetings against Steve Davis' men. 

Richard Rose was the difference in the reverse fixture this season.

Team News

Crewe are expected to welcome back academy graduate strikers Shaun Miller and Ajay Leitch-Smith tomorrow while other academy boy Lee Bell and ex Wealdstone defender Carl Martin will defiantly miss tomorrow's battle. The Daggers welcome back on loan West Ham winger Cristiano Montano as well as ex Kettering boy Adam Cunnington and Rory Delap wannabe Exodus Geoghaghon. Star man Brian Woodall and injury prone striker Josh Scott are said to be doubtful with the experienced central midfielders Kevin Maher and Peter Gain defiantly out as are ex Lincoln midfielder Luke Howell and striker Sam Williams.

Crewe will be expected to start with the traditional 4-4-2 with notable players such as experienced centre half David Artell who Daggers fans might be remember as the ex Morecambe man to score the last ever goal at Christie Park for the Shrimps against The Daggers in the play off semi final two years ago as well as another academy graduate and centre midfield player Ashley Westwood who has made over 100 appearences for Alexandra and prolific Byron Moore scheduled to start. Still has been forced to make changes over the last few games but will be expected to stick to his guns in an attacking 4-3-3 formation with Montano and Green playing either side of Barbados international Jon Nurse. A midfield three which I hope Ogogo will be brought into with Rose to cover at right back will be the only other changes that may happen tomorrow.

My One To Watch:

This was a difficult choice with Crewe boasting so many potential stars in their first team but the one I have picked the popular striker Nick Powell. Unsuprisingly, another graduate from the youth academy Powell has represented England U16's and U17's, he was a real handful this year in his visit to Victoria Road. The exciting young prospect has made 22 appearences in all competitions for the Railwaymen and has scored 5 goals as well as receiving one red card this season. Doey and Mickey will have a real handful with the youngster who is in fact 10 days younger than myself which is absolutely frightening in my opinion.

Crewe Academy's Next Star

My Prediction
After last week, I am not going to make a score prediction but just my views on where the game will be won and lost tomorrow. I believe that over Christmas, our performances and results justified my faith that on our day we have the ability to match anyone in this league, therefore I believe we should never be written off by any of our opponents. With their indifferent form, I believe that if we put in a good performance anything can happen, I believe that the midfield three of Abdulla, Bingham and Green was found out too weak in the tackle last week and with Woodall doubtful, Green should be pushed back into his usual winger role with fierce Abu Ogogo put back into midfield and versatile Richard Rose to cover at right back. I believe with a little more passion and bite in the midfield, the Daggers are more than capable of pulling off a typical daggers away performance. Keep positive. Believe. Keep the faith.