Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still happy to bring in Sam Ling after debut in win over Dover Athletic

Sam Ling of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers manager discusses new defender and beating the Whites

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Fejiri Okenabirhie of Dagenham & Redbridge and Aswad Thomas of Dover Athletic (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Fejiri Okenabirhie of Dagenham & Redbridge and Aswad Thomas of Dover Athletic (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Boss John Still is confident Sam Ling will prove to be a good addition for Dagenham & Redbridge after the former Leyton Orient youngster made his debut in a 2-0 win at home to Dover Athletic.

Ling was a surprise name on the teamsheet for the visit of the Whites, with no prior confirmation that Daggers had agreed a deal with the 19-year-old who had featured regularly for the Victoria Road side during pre-season following his release from O’s.

The son of former Cambridge United boss Martin came off the bench for his first Daggers appearance in the 87th minute, replacing Jordan Maguire-Drew.

At the time of writing, there is still no official word on the length of Ling’s contract, but Still confirmed that the current takeover saga has meant it will only be a short-term deal initially.

“Sam’s here until Christmas at the moment and because of our situation, I can’t do too much,” said the ex-Luton Town manager

“If someone had got injured against Dover, we would have had no one else so we had to move quickly to do it.

“We know Sam, we like Sam. He’s a versatile player and can play as a full-back or in midfield. He’s a good addition.”

Maguire-Drew and Oliver Hawkins both found the net for Daggers in their 2-0 win over the Whites, which saw the Essex club move up to second in the National League and within a point of leaders Lincoln City.

At times, though, it was a nervy affair with Dover certainly showing they were no pushovers by putting plenty of pressure on the Victoria Road outfit’s defence in the opening half.

Still’s men, though, were resolute, especially in the second half, and the Daggers boss was particularly pleased to see his team cope well, both in attack and defence, against last season’s beaten play-off semi-finalists.

“First half, Dover’s goalkeeper (Steven Arnold) kept them in it and made some terrific saves from Corey Whitely,” added the former Barnet manager.

“The second half was a battle with no chances bar maybe the odd one, but we were very good tonight and showed both sides of what we can do.

“We are a team growing, we’re nowhere near the finished article.

“The pleasing aspect for me is only one player in the back four playing in the right position who’s been a regular.

“It was an amazing performance by the back four, absolutely amazing to limit Dover to nothing.”