After watching helplessly as both of their last two scheduled away games fell victim to what is the second-wettest February on record, the Daggers will be hoping that Storm Jorge doesn't interfere with the already-mountainous task of toppling the league leaders in a match that will pose the biggest threat yet to Daryl McMahon's unbeaten league record as manager. It was just a fortnight ago that the initial trip to Barrow was rained off, and it was only through the luck of a Saturday becoming vacant in both team's fixture-lists that prevented the unenviable prospect of a Tuesday night in Cumbria. Keeping with the theme of postponements, the Daggers will be keen to avoid another after our midweek trip to Barnet was called off through a combination of gross incompetence from both the club and referee. Circumstance wise, not much has changed in the time between the initial match and this weekend's reschedule of it. Barrow are still the team to catch in the National League and, as we enter the final stretch of games, are in a commanding position. Similarly, we have maintained the promising start we've made to life under McMahon and a victory against Solihull Moors last Saturday made it six unbeaten in the league since Peter Taylor departed at the back end of last year. Barrow have been an absolute revelation this season and their ascent to the very summit of the National League has been as exciting as it was unforeseen. Under the stewardship of the forward-thinking Ian Evatt, a manager described as 'visionary' in several recent articles, they've played a brand of refreshing, possession-based football that firmly challenges the idea that you can only succeed at this level with a direct mindset and lanky, battering-ram striker. Their threats originate from many sources but it's the trio of John Rooney, Dior Angus and Scott Quigley that have done the damage and fuelled belief that this Barrow outfit can go all the way. Between them, they've scored nearly ten more goals than the entire Dagenham team put together. They're unbeaten at home in four months, but haven't been quite as convincing in recent weeks so maybe, just maybe we can dig deep and pull something off. It'll be a hard ask, but one thing that's guaranteed is that we'll go there and play on the front foot in a committed attempt to win the game, such is the attacking mentality McMahon has implemented. Weeks ago, the idea of us doing anything other than playing for a point away from home would've been inconceivable, so it's a testament to the the coaching staff and players that confidence has risen rapidly. The potency of Barrow's three-pronged attack will test the resolve of a defence that's kept four clean sheets in the past five games, as many as the entire rest of the campaign, but under McMahon the Daggers will give as good as they get and approach the game with a refreshing desire to claim all three points. The hosts will be favourites but this Dagenham side can certainly pack a punch; with Balanta back and firing, they are more than capable of stunning the league leaders in their own back yard. The stage is set for an open and entertaining encounter, with narrow margins proving crucial in determining it's outcome. First and foremost, let's hope the game survives the forecast heavy rainfall. Providing that hurdle is overcome, let's then hope for a committed, energetic display in which the players do the supporters proud, just as they've done in recent weeks. It's a long, exhausting journey, but three points would make it well worth it and, after all, during every campaign we've played at this level since our return in 2016, we've defeated the eventual champions. Barrow Predicted XI: Dixon, Jones, Taylor, Platt, Brough, Hird, Kay, White, Rooney, Quigley, Angus
Dagenham Predicted XI: Justham, Gordon, Croll, Clark, Onariase, Eleftheriou, Robinson, Brundle, Deering, Balanta, House
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January 2024
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