VNL#41 - Daggers 3 FC Halifax Town 0
Though the play-offs are beyond our reach barring a minor miracle, it remains nonetheless useful to test ourselves against sides that have spent the majority of the season battling towards the top end of the table. A Halifax outfit that coasted past us on opening day made for interesting opposition, and it was once again a challenge that Daryl McMahon's men passed with flying colours. After accruing a point that inflicted an almighty dent into Stockport's title hopes, we did similar to Halifax's aspirations of finishing in the top seven. They arrived at Victoria Road full of determination, and for a brief period really had us on the back foot, but ultimately we were able to take control. It once again proves that our exceptional run of form is due to the fact that we're a good side, rather than a lucky one who have simply had the fortune of a generous fixture schedule. If there were just a few more games available, I've no doubt that we'd fulfil our pre-season target of making the play-offs, but it's still pleasing to end strongly. We can lay down a marker for the next campaign too. It's taken us six months and we've gone through over thirty players in the process, but we've finally found a coherent system that can bring the best out of our team. McCallum is becoming the striker we all hoped he would be and has now registered a superb nine goals in as many games. His header here was absolutely wonderful and demonstrated exactly why he was so sought-after. Vilhete's goal, his first for the club, was executed with similar precision and came somewhat against the run of play. From that moment on, though, there was no doubt about what the outcome would be. The fact that we were shaky at times, with a few misplaced passes and unforced errors, makes the eventual margin of victory all the more impressive. Nobody wants to play the Daggers at the minute. All the ingredients of a top side are there. Unlike previous summers, we don't require a severe overhaul. Renewing some expiring contracts, while also sealing a permanent deal for Saidou Khan, are going to be our main objectives. We might need to recruit another wide player, midfielder and backup striker, but largely the core of a potential promotion-challenging team is already in the building. Performances like this prove it. We weren't at our best by any stretch but still managed to register a convincing victory, ruthlessly taking our chances as all good sides do. That's the primary difference between the Dagenham of today and the Dagenham of a few months ago. We'd produce some lovely interplay but miss a hatful of opportunities and ultimately lose 1-0 amidst a narrative of 'bad luck' and misfortune. Now, we're clinical and getting what we deserve. It does naturally make you wonder why it's taken so long for us to find our feet. Questions pertaining to our horrific start to the season still need to be asked. However, there's confidence in both the fanbase and players now, which is an important platform to build on.
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May 2024
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