It’s not looking good for Dagenham & Redbridge at the bottom of League Two. John Still’s side sit 24th and four points off safety. They have only won three times this year. And they have the worst goal difference in the division.

Yesterday they faced off against relegation threatened Northampton Town. Inevitably the game was dubbed a ‘six pointer’. Disappointingly the Daggers were beaten by a single goal.

Still made changes to his side for the clash, bringing back Chris Lewington in goal after his suspension. Luke Howell started his first game in six months and there were debuts for new loan signings Josh Parker and Mathieu Baudry.

With so many switches to the starting XI it was understandable that the Cobblers started the match stronger and went close through Michael Jacobs and Adebayo Akinfenwa.

As Still’s side found their feet chances were created. Daggers striker Brian Woodall forced Matt Duke into a good stop before Mickey Spillane volleyed wide.

But the Northampton goal threat was evident throughout the opening 45 minutes as Akinfenwa and Liverpool loanee Toni Silva caused problems for the Dagenham defence.

After a frenetic first half the second period was a much tighter affair. Both sides seemed more content to not lose the match than go forward and win it.

However, just after the hour the deadlock was broken. Michael Jacobs fired a low shot at the Daggers goal, the effort was saved by Lewington but Silva was on hand to slide the ball home.

Knowing they needed to claim points from the match, Dagenham went on the offensive.

Spillane and Parker both shot wide as the Cobblers were now content to sit back and defend.

There was one last chance for the Daggers, Parker sent a header towards goal only to see Duke make the save and condemn Still’s side to defeat.

Dagenham’s next two matches will be crucial in their fight for survival as they host 21st Macclesfield before travelling to 20th Barnet.