Bradbury: Didn’t Recognise Daggers in Maidenhead Loss 2026

Key Points

• Dagenham & Redbridge manager Lee Bradbury admitted he “didn’t recognise” his players following a 2-0 defeat to Maidenhead United on Saturday.
• Bradbury accused his attacking players of being “selfish” in their approach during the National League match.
• Former Daggers striker Josh Umerah scored against his old club after just ten minutes, opening the scoring for Maidenhead.
• Maidenhead comfortably managed the game after taking the lead, limiting Dagenham & Redbridge to few chances to equalise.
• Liam Dulson sealed the victory for the hosts with an 89th-minute second goal.
• Bradbury, speaking to Daggers TV post-match, described his team as lacking “manful, energetic or resilient” qualities against a “big, strong, physical and experienced” Maidenhead side.
• He noted the Daggers are missing physicality and experience due to injuries but stressed that “everyone else has the same problem,” refusing to use it as an excuse.

Maidenhead (East London Times) February 24, 2026 – Dagenham & Redbridge suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Maidenhead United in the National League on Saturday, prompting manager Lee Bradbury to deliver a scathing assessment of his side’s performance. Bradbury openly admitted he “didn’t recognise” his players, accusing the attacking unit of selfishness as they failed to counter waves of pressure from the hosts. The loss highlighted ongoing struggles for the Daggers, who now face mounting pressure in the relegation battle.

The match began poorly for Dagenham & Redbridge when Josh Umerah, a former striker for the club, netted after only ten minutes, capitalising on early dominance by Maidenhead. The hosts then controlled proceedings, restricting the visitors to minimal opportunities before Liam Dulson added a late second goal in the 89th minute to confirm the points.

What Did Lee Bradbury Say After the Match?

Post-match, a dejected Lee Bradbury spoke candidly to Daggers TV, laying bare his frustrations with the team’s display. As reported directly from his interview, Bradbury stated:

“I didn’t recognise us today. I didn’t think we were manful, energetic or resilient enough.”

He emphasised the demands of facing Maidenhead, adding:

“You’ve got to be all those things when you come to Maidenhead.”

Bradbury further highlighted the physical mismatch, describing the opposition as “a big, strong, physical and experienced team.” While acknowledging injuries, he dismissed any excuses, saying:

“We’re missing a lot of physicality and experience from those who are out injured at the moment, but we can’t talk about that, as everyone else has the same problem.”

His comments on the attackers were particularly pointed, with Bradbury accusing them of being “selfish,” a critique that underscores tactical failings in the final third during the rout.

Who Scored the Goals for Maidenhead United?

Josh Umerah opened the scoring in the tenth minute, turning the game in Maidenhead’s favour early on. The former Dagenham & Redbridge striker marked his return against his old club with a clinical finish, as the hosts pressed relentlessly from the outset.

Liam Dulson then wrapped up the victory with a second goal in the 89th minute. This late strike came after Maidenhead had comfortably managed the contest, denying the Daggers meaningful chances to mount a comeback. The goals reflected Maidenhead’s superiority in set-pieces and counter-attacks throughout the 90 minutes.

Why Did Bradbury Call His Attackers Selfish?

Bradbury’s post-match remarks singled out the attacking players for lacking cohesion and team-oriented play. His accusation of selfishness points to instances where individuals prioritised personal efforts over collective movement, failing to break down Maidenhead’s organised defence.

This critique aligns with the match narrative, where Dagenham & Redbridge struggled to create openings despite desperate attempts to respond to Umerah’s opener. Bradbury’s words serve as a wake-up call, urging a shift towards more selfless, energetic football to arrest their slide.

How Did the Match Unfold Minute by Minute?

The game’s key moments defined a one-sided affair. Maidenhead struck first in the tenth minute through Josh Umerah, who exploited defensive lapses to score against his former employers. From that point, the hosts dictated the tempo, fending off Daggers’ waves of pressure with physicality and experience.

Dagenham & Redbridge found themselves limited to few opportunities, as Maidenhead comfortably managed possession and territory. The visitors’ lack of resilience was evident, culminating in Liam Dulson’s 89th-minute goal that sealed a routine 2-0 win. The final whistle left Bradbury’s side reflecting on a performance far below their standards.

What Injuries Are Affecting Dagenham & Redbridge?

Bradbury referenced ongoing injury woes depriving the team of physicality and experience, though he was quick to downplay their impact. Key absences have left the squad light in critical areas, contributing to their inability to match Maidenhead’s robust style.

Despite the challenges, the manager insisted excuses won’t suffice, noting that rivals face similar issues across the league. This context frames the defeat as a test of character, with Bradbury demanding more from the available personnel.

Who Is Josh Umerah and Why Did He Score Against Daggers?

Josh Umerah, once a striker for Dagenham & Redbridge, exacted revenge on his former club with a tenth-minute strike. His familiarity with the Daggers’ setup likely aided his early goal, as Maidenhead capitalised on home advantage.

Umerah’s contribution set the tone, enabling his team to withstand pressure and secure the points. His performance adds intrigue to the fixture, highlighting player movement between National League rivals.

What Does This Defeat Mean for Dagenham & Redbridge’s Season?

The 2-0 loss at Maidenhead exacerbates Dagenham & Redbridge’s precarious position in the National League table. Bradbury’s forthright criticism signals internal urgency to improve resilience and teamwork, particularly against physical opponents.

With injuries mounting and form faltering, the Daggers face a defining run of fixtures. Failure to heed Bradbury’s words risks deeper relegation trouble, while a response could spark a turnaround.

How Physical Was the Battle Against Maidenhead?

Maidenhead’s “big, strong, physical and experienced” profile overwhelmed Dagenham & Redbridge, as per Bradbury’s analysis. The hosts’ ability to manage the game post-Umerah’s goal stemmed from superior conditioning and tactical nous.

Bradbury stressed the need for his players to embody “manful, energetic or resilient” traits in such encounters. This mismatch exposed vulnerabilities the Daggers must address swiftly.

When and Where Did Bradbury Give His Post-Match Interview?

Speaking immediately after the final whistle to Daggers TV, Bradbury delivered his assessment from the Maidenhead pitch. The interview captured his raw disappointment, providing fans with unfiltered insight into the dressing room mood.

Conducted on Saturday, the exchange has since fuelled discussions on the club’s official channels and supporter forums.

Why Can’t Injuries Be an Excuse for Bradbury?

Bradbury explicitly rejected injury complaints, stating:

“we can’t talk about that, as everyone else has the same problem.”

This stance reflects a league-wide norm, where squads routinely adapt to absences without public lament.

His focus remains on maximising the current roster, urging a mindset shift towards grit and unity.

What Is Maidenhead United’s Form Heading into This Match?

Maidenhead entered the fixture buoyed by home strength, leveraging their physical edge to dispatch higher-profile opponents. The clean-sheet victory over Dagenham & Redbridge bolsters their mid-table solidity.

Umerah and Dulson’s goals exemplify the hosts’ clinical streak, sustaining momentum in a competitive division.

How Have Daggers Fans Reacted to Bradbury’s Comments?

Supporters, via social media and forums, have echoed Bradbury’s call for improvement, praising his honesty amid tough times. Many view the selfishness critique as a necessary jolt, galvanising calls for collective effort.

Fan reactions emphasise unity, with optimism pinned on upcoming home games to rebuild confidence.

What’s Next for Dagenham & Redbridge?

Following the Maidenhead setback, Dagenham & Redbridge return to Victoria Road for vital points. Bradbury’s rallying cry sets the tone, demanding physical and mental upgrades to navigate the relegation scrap.

Injuries persist, but the manager’s no-excuses mantra signals resolve. The Daggers’ response will define their trajectory.