When I think about the performances I've seen this season, the reality is some of them have simply not been good enough, especially for a team of our quality. With such tight margins within the division, these dropped points could really prove crucial in the long run, and potentially be the difference between going up and not, which remains the ultimate target.
Obviously, I fully expect us to lose some games, but it's the manner of the defeat which makes things more frustrating. Away at Hartlepool, most of us weren't disappointed because of the fact that we absolutely dominated the game, and Woking away was similar. However, in games where we simply don't turn up for no real reason, that's when things become annoying.........and, worryingly, these are slowly becoming more regular. And the reason why these are so frustrating is because we all know that the Daggers are so much better than that and, against Dover, and against Guiseley to some extent, we proved it. The Dover performance in particular was so uplifting for the club simply because of how unexpected it was, with most expecting a loss. Following that, we come into our next game at Chester with some confidence. But Daggers haven't won three games in a row all season, and don't even get me started on our away form. I don't understand how we can have the best home record yet a dismal away one, it's like two different teams turn up. We've been in this situation before; a good week creates a real positive vibe around the club, only for an underwhelming defeat to kill the new-found confidence. But, despite this, I'm still confident ahead of our visit to the Swansway Chester Stadium. After all, we owe them one after last year's 3-0 defeat, and on our day can beat anybody. Chester, I am told, have only won twice at home in twelve months, but when I watched their game with Wrexham on BT Sport they certainly seemed a decent side. And, of course, they have a new manager to impress. The time is now for them to turn their season around, and they will surely be smelling blood looking at our travel sickness this campaign. Especially when you see our underwhelming displays against struggling sides this season. We needed last-second goals to scrape points against Solihull and Torquay, and even against Guiseley last weekend were 2-0 down after 25 minutes, although we turned it around, so credit to the team. You add to this the fact that it's a TV game, meaning an early start for everybody, and we really could be facing a banana-skin today, although a loss wouldn't be that much of a shock, would it? After all, Chester aren't a bad outfit, and we can't afford to be underestimating anybody at this level. But, despite an underlying sense of negativity within this post, I really feel we can get a result today. If we can keep winning at home, and gradually begin picking up more points on the road, then we really can start steadily moving up the league table. We're 5th at the minute but our best is very much yet to come, and it must start today. We're no longer into the early stages of the season, it's nearly the core of the campaign. Things begin to matter more and more and, starting today, we need to show what we're capable of every week. Because we are capable of anything with the squad that we have, and our loyal fans deserve more to cheer. I watch most National League games on BT Sport and that really does influence my perspective on that team. Well today there will be fans of other promotion candidates, judging us. Let's make them worried, let's make them think they're watching the champions. But, above all else, let's show them a determined, energetic performance. A 'Daggers' performance. We need to step up, and the time is now. Come on you Daggers!
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May 2024
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