Dagenham & Redbridge assistant Darren Currie delighted with approach from striker Paul Benson

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

Daggers coach pleased with forward despite struggling for game time

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Frankie Raymond is mobbed by his Dagenham & Redbridge team mates after scoring the winner against York City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Frankie Raymond is mobbed by his Dagenham & Redbridge team mates after scoring the winner against York City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Assistant manager Darren Currie has praised Dagenham & Redbridge forward Paul Benson for his professional attitude this season, despite struggling for game time.

The 37-year-old started his first match in almost four months on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win at home to York City in the National League.

The ex-Luton Town man struggled with a side injury in the early part of the season, but returned from that in October and has only made four starts since.

Currie, though, says Benson has acted like a true professional in battling for his spot with top scorer Oliver Hawkins, and the assistant was pleased with the veteran forward’s approach.

“‘Benno’, he’s not had a great deal of game time, but he came in against York and looked fresh,” said Currie.

“He led the line brilliantly, he’s such an experienced head. He’s been brilliant all season, I would expect him to be frustrated not getting game time, but he’s been outstanding.”

Saturday also saw returns to the starting XI for both Luke Howell and Curtley Williams following injuries.

Though Howell came off the bench at Aldershot Town on Tuesday night, he was making his first start since the win at Eastleigh in October after a succession of setbacks.

Williams, meanwhile, had been out even longer, having suffered a knee injury in August.

Both lasted the full 90 minutes, but Currie insists it was all part of the plan for the game with York.

“Luke and Curtley are both fit and both been training regularly, so they were certainly ready for selection,” added the Daggers assistant.

“Sometimes you can’t wait to feed the players back in. ‘Howelly’ had 30 minutes on Tuesday and is a very naturally fit player, a fit boy who looks after himself well.

“Sometimes it’s just the right time that gets presented to you and it was the right time to put Luke and Curtley back in for a bit of experience.”