Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Matt Robinson looking forward to Woking return

Matt Robinson of Dagenham & Redbridge and Alan Power of Lincoln City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers new boy spent time on loan at Cards last season

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Dagenham & Redbridge’s Matt Robinson is someone who should know exactly what to expect from Woking on Saturday having spent time on loan with the Cards last season, writes Ned Keating.

The 22-year-old initially moved to Kingfield Stadium on a one-month loan deal from Luton Town in October 2015, but impressed so much that his stay eventually lasted for the remainder of the campaign.

In all, Robinson appeared 26 times in the National League for Woking, scoring twice – with both goals coincidentally coming in the two fixtures against Gateshead.

While the summer has seen a host of changes at the Cards in terms of the playing squad, Garry Hill remains in charge.

And having featured under the ex-Daggers boss for the majority of last season, Robinson feels he knows exactly what to expect from the Cards come Saturday.

“Garry’s team are not too dissimilar to us – he likes it strong at the back, he likes clean sheets and he encourages teams to play,” said the former Leicester City trainee.

“Last year he played a 4-3-3, so he likes an attacking team, his holding players in midfield, his wing-backs to bomb on. It’s not dissimilar to the way we play, so I expect it to be a good game.”

It will be another Saturday on the road for Daggers, having faced Lincoln City at Victoria Road last night (Tuesday).

So far, the trips have been a mixed bag for Robinson’s new club, with a 2-0 success at Guiseley on Saturday following their 3-0 loss at Chester last Tuesday.

So early in the season and with so many new faces at the club, it is to be expected there will be peaks and troughs with regards to displays over the coming weeks. But the midfielder hopes the Essex club can start stringing together similar performances.

“Everyone wants to get off to a consistent start — consistently winning, rather than losing!” added Robinson.

“It’s important to get points on the board early and get fully into your stride because I don’t think many teams are at their best when they start the season, it’s probably impossible to be, but that’s what we need to do.”

Robinson’s job as a midfielder has certainly been made easier at Victoria Road by Daggers’ attack impressing so early in the season, and he admits it is good to have so many options to pass to.

“The lads are good when the ball comes to feet and we can have good link up play with ‘Gutts’,” he said.

“‘Hawks’ (Oliver Hawkins) is a good target man too, so I think we can play short and long which will make us a threat this year.”