Single Gulls goal enough to defeat Daggers (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Torquay United overcame a battling Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two

9:58am Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Daggers

Dagenham & Redbridge suffered a second defeat in four days after going down 1-0 at Torquay United.

A long midweek trip to one of the playoff contenders was never going to be easy but the Daggers applied themselves well.

Still’s side created the better chances in the opening ten minutes as West Ham loanee Cristian Montano sent a shot wide of Robert Olejnik’s post.

Jon Nurse then forced the Gulls stopper into action before Dagenham forced several corners that were well dealt with by the Torquay defence.

The home side were finding it difficult to create any real chances as the Daggers continued to look dangerous.

However, when you’re near the bottom things seem to go against you and five minutes before half time Torquay took the lead.

Lee Mansell received a pass from Kevin Nicholson and smashed the ball home from the edge of the box.

The opening goal rocked the Daggers and the hosts nearly doubled their lead seconds later.

There didn’t look much danger when Danny Stevens collect the ball at the half way line but he skipped through the Dagenham midfield before sending a good strike from distance just past Chris Lewington’s post.

Half time gave Still a chance to rally his troops and they started the second period well.

Mark Arber should have levelled when he had a chance from close range but he sliced his shot wide.

Mickey Spillane came closest to finding the Dagenham equaliser just after the hour. His curling free-kick forced Olejnik to scramble quickly across his goal to tip the ball wide.

Although not at their best the Gulls held on leaving Still’s side 23rd in League Two after accumulating just 21 points from 27 matches.