The current gap from the drop sits at three points after a week that saw Ben Strevens’ men hold high-flying Bromley to a draw late on at Hayes Lane, only then to fall to a narrow defeat at the hands of Halifax back at Victoria Road.
That week epitomised the moment the Daggers are in, full of spirit and belief and yet still missing that consistency in quality and clinical threat up top.
Had Inih Effiong been available, perhaps the relegation scrap may not be of as much concern heading into this week.
Therefore, there have been calls for a striker to come in – the likes of Ollie Pearce from Worthing who is in red-hot form – given other clubs in a similar situation have entered the market for a striker.
However, the current ownership situation does seem to make that unlikely, committing to an investment in a short-term quick fix. Although that situation may equally see investment made in order to avoid relegation, which would make the club less of an enticing prospect for any prospective owners.
It seems as though we will have to wait and see on that and hopefully see the likes of Josh Rees and Dion Pereira step up to find the desperately needed goals for the Daggers.
The first test in these decisive final 10 games comes this Saturday against an Altrincham side who have struggled for form of late, having lost their last four, but remain tough opposition for Strevens’ men.
It is vital the Daggers turn their home form around in these last weeks to stay above the drop, having lost 13 times at Victoria Road this season.
There is no letting up in the relegation fight as all the teams involved continue to pick up points, such that Dagenham could be in the drop zone come 5pm on Saturday if other results don’t go their way.
It would then make the encounter with Southend the following Saturday all the more enticing, as the Shrimpers are just one of a few sides in the bottom half the Daggers face before the end of the season.
Ultimately, it is a question of whether enough goals can be found in Inih Effiong’s absence, else things could turn worse very quickly given the volatility of this league and this relegation scrap.
I am confident that this team can pick up the points required, but it looks set to go right down to the wire.
Let’s get behind the team this weekend and hopefully see the gap between the Daggers and the drop zone widen. Until next week, Come On You Daggers!
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