Key Points
- Dagenham & Redbridge (Daggers) drew 0-0 at home against Farnborough in the National League South.
- Lee Bradbury, Daggers boss, expressed frustration at the missed opportunities to win the match.
- Joe Haigh and Dieng had notable chances, with Dieng’s header hitting the post.
- Goalkeeper Sam Howes made important saves to keep a clean sheet.
- Farnborough employed a low-mid block strategy in the first half, making it difficult to break them down.
- Bradbury highlighted a lack of end-product and one-on-one creativity as key issues.
- The Daggers made attacking substitutions, including playing wingers as wing-backs and deploying two centre-forwards.
- New signing George Gitau made his debut, showing promise despite fitness limitations.
- Bradbury called for more ruthlessness and sharper decision-making in their final third play.
- The match outcome felt like a loss for the home side despite securing a clean sheet.
- Fans were praised for their support and frustration mirrored the team’s feelings.
Why was Lee Bradbury frustrated after the game?
As reported by Lee Bradbury, manager of Dagenham & Redbridge, the match against Farnborough ended in a 0-0 stalemate that felt more like a loss to his team. He admitted to being “frustrated” with the outcome after his side created multiple chances but failed to convert them into goals. Bradbury highlighted that they had at least four good scoring opportunities where “you’d expect to score a couple of them.”
Bradbury explained the difficulty they faced in breaking down Farnborough’s defensive setup, especially in the first half when the visitors used a low-mid block, which limited Daggers’ attacking options. As the match progressed, the game opened up into an end-to-end contest, but despite this, the Daggers still could not find the moment to score.
He reflected on their recent form, noting that in their last five games they had only lost once, but frustration remained high because “a draw feels like a loss today really” given the chances they created. Bradbury emphasised the need for his team to be more ruthless, sharper in their decisions, and to improve their final third play and box entries, including better execution from all players—not just the forwards.
What efforts were made to win the match?
Bradbury described the tactical efforts from his side, which included “brave substitutions” that saw wingers deployed as wing-backs, two centre-forwards, and two attacking midfielders on the pitch at the same time. This formation was intended to push for the win while also maintaining defensive stability. Despite these efforts, the team was unable to find the breakthrough.
Joe Haigh’s shot was saved by a good save from the Farnborough goalkeeper, and Dieng narrowly missed with a header from a cross delivered by Andy Carroll, his effort hitting the post. Sam Howes, the Daggers goalkeeper, reacted well to deny the visiting side chances in the second half, helping to maintain a clean sheet.
How did new signing George Gitau perform on his debut?
The match saw the debut of George Gitau, a recent signing for Dagenham & Redbridge. Lee Bradbury spoke positively about Gitau’s first appearance for the club, saying,
“It’s always tough. He’s played 45 minutes since pre-season so he’s always going to be getting his legs, his fitness, his sharpness.”
Bradbury added,
“But he’s quick, aggressive in his defending, he wants to get forward and create. He’ll get better as time goes on but it’s a good solid performance from him for the first 60 minutes of the game, and he’ll grow into his position and the team very well I think.”
He also praised Gitau’s background as a Category One academy player at Middlesbrough, his local ties around Dartford and Belvedere, and his strong desire to succeed at the club.
What does Lee Bradbury say the team needs to improve?
Bradbury emphasised the importance of improving final third play, including “box entries, better decisions,” and greater ruthlessness across the entire team. He said the midfielders and defenders must also be sharper when attacking set pieces like corners and making use of scoring opportunities.
Despite the frustrations, Bradbury noted the fans had been excellent, remaining supportive throughout the match, particularly in the final 15-20 minutes.
“They’re frustrated as well, they know we should be winning that game today,” he said.
Although disappointed with the draw, Bradbury acknowledged the positive aspect of securing another point and maintaining a clean sheet, underlining the need to move forward from this result.
What is the broader context of the team’s recent form?
Bradbury reflected on the recent run of form, stating that in their last five games, Dagenham & Redbridge had lost only once, drawn twice, and won twice. He highlighted the challenge of balancing the desire to win home games while also aiming to pick up points away from home.
The stalemate against Farnborough was seen as a missed opportunity to build momentum in their campaign, especially given the chances created, but the manager remains focused on steady improvement and learning from performances.
