STAND in Dagenham and Redbridge skipper Dave Rainford has revealed the team are still adapting to the challenge of playing League football.

Daggers were tipped for a swashbuckling first season in League Two following an impressive promotional campaign from the Conference. But the reality has sobered even the most die-hard fans with the club currently sitting in 19th place.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon's clash away at fellow strugglers Rochdale, Rainford said: "I don't know what people thought if they believed we could go straight up.

"League Two is a big step up. However teams play below, up here they have a bit more about them and are right up for the challenge.

"Things are a bit down, but when you lose a game you get to the next one and put it in the past."

Surprisingly, it is the Daggers home form which has so far let them down.

They have managed only one win at Victoria Road this term and Rainford admits it is more difficult to roll opponents over.

"Teams tend to sit back when they play away and we find it hard to break them down," he said. "We have conceded goals at home at tough times, but we could have and should have more points."

Despite the slow start, the midfielder insists the team are putting in the hard work and have the determination and capability to move in the right direction.

He said: "Positions can change week to week at this stage. We could shoot right into a healthy position or we could slip up - all we need is a couple of results."