Dagenham & Redbridge assistant Darren Currie happy slow start against Bromley did not ultimately prove costly

Jake Sheppard of Dagenham & Redbridge is congratulated after scoring the winning goal against Bromley (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers left it late to beat Ravens after conceding first goal once again

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Louis Dennis of Bromley and Joe Widdowson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Louis Dennis of Bromley and Joe Widdowson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Assistant manager Darren Currie was pleased Dagenham & Redbridge overcame another slow start to beat Bromley 2-1 in the National League.

For the third game in succession, Daggers conceded the opening goal as Brandon Hanlan struck for the Ravens in the seventh minute.

Despite a poor first half, the Essex club went into the break level after Fejiri Okenabirhie netted in the 40th minute.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Jake Sheppard fired home venomously from 25 yards with just two minutes of normal time remaining.

It was an important return to winning ways for Daggers, who lost to Guiseley on Saturday, and Currie was happy their slow start did not prove costly again.

“It’s something we’ve spoken about, we’ve asked the boys to play a certain way early on to eradicate the chances for the opposition, but we started really slowly again,” said the former Brighton & Hove Albion man.

“It’s a small concern, but we came through the game and scored two very good goals.

“Certainly the first goal was a direct ball into ‘Hawks’ (Oliver Hawkins), but we’re capable of doing that because he’s brilliant up there for us.

“Fey (Okenabirhie) is in the right position to get the knockdown and it’s a controlled finish. The goal to win it is a fantastic finish as well.”

Sheppard’s late winner was a dramatic change in fortunes for the on-loan Reading youngster, who endured a difficult night at right-back.

For much of the first half, the 19-year-old was tormented by Bromley winger Blair Turgott and was caught out of position on multiple occasions.

However, with just over 10 minutes remaining, Sheppard was pushed into a more advanced role, rewarding Daggers boss John Still’s faith in him with the winning strike.

And Currie was delighted the teenage full-back was able to show everyone what he is capable of, especially after a difficult night performance-wise.

“Jake is a modern-day full-back who wants to get up and down the pitch,” added the Daggers assistant manager.

“Against Bromley, he probably wasn’t playing at the levels he’s shown everyone he can since he’s come in on loan.

“When he went a little higher up the pitch, he put in a nice corner and was trying to be effective, trying to get into areas to cause problems.

“He’s found himself in a great little pocket which we’re always talking to the boys about.

“We managed to get him the ball and as soon as he’s opened his feet, he’s got a hell of a rocket in his boot, he’s let go and it’s a great finish.”