Dagenham & Redbridge 1
Rushden & Diamonds 2
(Nationwide Conference)

DAGENHAM'S lead at the top of the Conference was cut back to seven points after defeat to an in-form Rushden and Diamonds.

New signings Jon Boardman, in defence and Chris Moore, up front, did well in their first starts for the side, but two excellent strikes from the visitors ended Daggers' unbeaten run in the new year.

Tony Roberts was called on to make his first save holding a header from Dino Maamria on 13 minutes and Simeon Jackson's 20-yard effort sailed over the hosts' bar moments later.

Glen Southam fired in a shot from the edge of the area on 26 minutes, but it was well held by the visiting keeper and five minutes later Rushden were in front. Jackson picked the ball up on the left, cut into the penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Paul Benson equalised within a minute converting Moore's flick on from a couple of yards.

Chris Beardsley had a great chance to regain the half-time lead for the visitors but stabbed his close range effort just wide.

Ben Strevens should have scored for Daggers in the 70th minute but blazed over and Rushden skipper Chris Hope claimed the points with an 18 yard volley with 13 minutes to spare.

Manager John Still said: "I've said all along that we're going to lose games. That's football. The reason we are top of the league is that we are the best side at the moment and that's given us a little gap, with points to spare. But we are always going to lose some games. We'll lose when we play well. Today we played badly and we lost."

Daggers have not ruled out signing another player on loan this week to strengthen their small squad.

They travel to Burton Albion on Saturday and Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday.