Dagenham & Redbridge in danger of missing out on play-off place, warns defender Craig Robson

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

Daggers centre-back admits if recent displays continue, Essex club will miss out on top five finish

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Craig Robson has warned his Dagenham & Redbridge team-mates they face missing out on the National League play-offs altogether if they do not buck their ideas up soon.

Having looked like title challengers as recently as the middle of February, Daggers are now just two points clear of those teams outside of the play-off places after a 3-1 loss at Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.

With eight games remaining, starting at home to York City on Saturday, the Victoria Road outfit look in danger of letting what appeared to be a good season peter out.

And Robson knows to avoid that fate, Daggers must start turning in better performances in order to get better results.

“If we keep playing the way we have been, we won’t even make the play-offs,” the defender admitted honestly.

“We have to really look at ourselves, take each game as it comes and work our socks off and hopefully get in there.”

Things will certainly not be easy for Daggers against a York side who may have been battling relegation for much of the season, but will arrive at Victoria Road on the crest of a wave.

After shocking league leaders Lincoln City to reach the final of the FA Trophy on Saturday, the Minstermen came from 3-1 down to beat relegation rivals Southport 5-3 on Tuesday night.

By contrast, Daggers looked bereft of confidence in their loss on Tuesday at Aldershot, with a Scott Doe goal the only positive on a dismal night in Hampshire.

It certainly will not be easy for Daggers to get back on track on Saturday, and Robson knows it may come down to who wants the points more.

“Every game is massive, everyone is fighting for points to stay up or make the play-offs,” added the 25-year-old.

“It isn’t going to be an easy game, so we have to work 100 per cent and if we don’t do that, we won’t get anything from the game.

“We have to get ourselves back on track and start again.”

Though normally a centre-back, Robson has lined up in midfield in recent weeks and with Andre Boucaud on international duty, is likely to do so again this weekend.

But the former Bognor Regis Town man says he is happy to play anywhere for the team, as long as it helps them in their quest for all three points.

“I’ll play wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I’m happy to do my job for the team and try to win games,” he said.