Dag& Redbridge 0
Southport 0
(Nationwide Conf)

DECEMBER has yet to match up to the high-flying success of November for Dagenham and Redbridge boss John Still, named manager of the previous month.

Still led the Daggers to three wins from three in their league games, scoring an impressive three goals in each, to move within two points of leaders Oxford United.

But the Essex side lost out on the chance to go top of the Conference on Saturday, when they were held to a goalless draw by bottom club Southport, losing captain Anwar Uddin and winger Sam Slomo to injury in the process.

Dave Rainford headed an early Sam Saunders cross wide and Glen Southam volleyed past the post, while at the other end Tony Roberts denied Liam Blakeman.

Roberts was again alert to save from Carl Baker in the second half and the closest Daggers came to a winner was Saunders' over-hit cross which keeper Ryan Robinson tipped over from under the bar, before saving Cliff Akurang's header from the resulting corner. Southam (pictured) said: "The last two years have been a bit up and down, but this year we have finally shown a bit of consistency and we need to keep doing that.

"If I was to say that promotion wasn't in our thoughts, that would be wrong. Every footballer wants to play in the league. That's what you work for.

"You can't ever say what is going to happen in this game, but if we are there at Christmas we have a chance at pushing on in the new year.

"John Still keeps our feet firmly on the ground and reminds us that there is work still to be done. We have to keep picking up the points."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a much-changed Daggers side dropped out of the Essex Senior Cup 2-1 at Great Wakering Rovers.

Akurang gave the visitors the lead in the 23rd minute, before Daniel Friel equalised. Akurang hit the bar in the second half, but Neil Richmond sealed it for the hosts on 82 minutes.

Dagenham and Redbridge travel to Exeter City for their next league game on Saturday.