DAGENHAM & R 2

ALDERSHOT TOWN 5

AFTER scoring just two goals in the four matches that Kevin Dillon had been in charge, Aldershot answered their critics with a thumping victory at title contenders Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night.

At two apiece eight minutes into the second half, the game seemed to be on a knife-edge, but Aldershot took full control and three unanswered goals left the Daggers licking their wounds.

Dagenham boss John Still gave Aldershot their due – "They played very well" – while Shots manager Dillon praised the Victoria Road pitch: "It was superb and suited us.

"We like to play a passing game, based on a solid defence, and I think that's been the key since I came to the club. The two centre-halves are the leaders of the team for me – Chris Blackburn and Anthony Charles – they are the main men holding things together.

"The full-backs have been exceptional as well. That gives you a basis to work from and that includes the keeper.

"The difference tonight was Lewis Chalmers. He got on the ball, switched play and moved them around."

Dagenham, who included former Shots Adam Miller and Will Antwi in their line-up, have an excellent record against Aldershot, having won the last three meetings between the sides.

The home team were first to show, with the normally deadly Paul Benson failing to get his header on target. But Aldershot, with Marvin Morgan playing a lone striker's role and Anthony Straker and loan signing Marlon Jackson raiding on the flanks, were soon into their stride.

Louie Soares forced Tony Roberts into a good save and Morgan headed narrowly wide from a Scott Donnelly corner.

Roberts then saved at Straker's feet, but a goal was coming and it was defender Charles who made the breakthrough on 30 minutes.

Donnelly, who had just cleared off the line at the other end, chipped the ball into the Dagenham area and Charles outjumped Roberts to score with a looping header.

Five minutes before half-time, Charles blotted his copybook by handling the ball while under pressure from Jon Nurse and skipper Mark Arber equalised from the spot.

Another rapid exchange of goals followed on 52 and 53 minutes.

First came a goal straight off the practice ground as Andy Sandell, lurking on the corner of the area, restored Aldershot's lead with a sweet volley from a Donnelly corner.

With the away fans still celebrating, Nana Ofori-Twumasi rode a challenge and hammered the ball under the diving Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz.

Seven minutes later, though, Aldershot were back in front, and this time there was no way back for Still's men.

Jackson crossed low from the right and Morgan, resisting Antwi's challenge with typical strength, turned to place the ball unerringly into the corner of the net.

Dagenham rang the changes and Aldershot had to defend well to hold their advantage.

With 13 minutes left, the visitors counter-attacked to deadly effect. The impressive Jackson broke free on the right and although Roberts parried his initial low shot, the on-loan player forced the rebound past the prone keeper.

Finally, with seconds remaining, Soares was played in on the left and gave Roberts no chance to complete a memorable night for Aldershot.

Dagenham: Roberts, Ofori-Twusami, Arber, Green (Spiller 65), Nurse, Benson, Currie, Antwi, Miller, Gain, Day. Subs (not used): Demitriou, Ogogo, Dayes, Montgomery.

Aldershot: Jaimez-Ruiz, Herd, Sandell, Donnelly (Bozanic 86), Blackburn, Charles, Soares, Chalmers, Morgan (Grant 89), Jackson (Halls 82), Straker. Subs (not used): Hinshelwood, Harding.

Referee: Grant Hegley.

Attendance: 1,876.