For any supporter of a lower-league side, the Easter period is amongst the most enjoyable within the football calendar, encompassing a rapid double-header of games that offer a valuable opportunity to gain precious points as the end of the campaign draws near.
Essentially, it's two Saturday 3pm matches in the space of four days, usually played against a backdrop of simmering sunshine. The only thing missing this extended weekend is the supporters, as has unfortunately been the case for the significant majority of the season, with the exception of a frustratingly temporary reprieve in December. As decent a spectacle as it usually is, it also represents another gruelling period in this enormously congested campaign. The Daggers have been in action for the vast majority of midweeks since the turn of the year, including seven of the past eight. Daryl McMahon's team commence the Bank Holiday period in the midst of their best performances of the season, which has thankfully translated into results, namely an impressive return of 14 points from seven outings. Our only defeat during that time, though, came against the very team we play today, second placed Hartlepool United. They're unbeaten in fourteen, boasting formidable home form, which alludes to a very challenging task for the Daggers. However, we matched them just shy of a fortnight ago, giving a very respectable account of ourselves that maybe ought to have yielded a point. While a draw in the North East would be a brilliant outcome, Monday brings opposition we simply have to triumph over - Aldershot Town. Though they're a very capable outfit, illustrated by a recent success at Notts County, we're at that stage of the campaign where we need to beat mid-table outfits, especially on our own patch. Overall, the next few days offer a real chance to make significant progression up the table, as we look to deliver an impressive end to a season that has otherwise been arduous and depressing. Come this time next week, we'll certainly have learned a lot more about this team.
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May 2024
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