Dagenham & Redbridge player ratings: Midfield guides Daggers to success against Forest Green Rovers

Ethan Pinnock of Forest Green Rovers and Andre Boucaud of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Ned Keating provides player ratings following the 2-1 win at home to Forest Green Rovers in the National League

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Omar Bugiel of Forest Green Rovers and Craig Robson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Omar Bugiel of Forest Green Rovers and Craig Robson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Dagenham & Redbridge had their midfield to thank after guiding them to a tremendous display against Forest Green Rovers in the National League.

The success was perhaps Daggers’ best of the season so far, thanks in no small part to the work of Andre Boucaud and Craig Robson.

The pair were tireless in their work and were the heartbeat for the Essex club as they returned to winning ways, and form after a patchy few weeks.

It was the kind of display that made those watching feel the promotion push was still on.

Mark Ellis of Forest Green Rovers and Fejiri Okenabirhie of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Mark Ellis of Forest Green Rovers and Fejiri Okenabirhie of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Now, just to follow it up at Barrow this weekend rather than be maddeningly inconsistent once more.

Elliot Justham (6) – Feel a little sorry for him getting such a low mark as he had relatively little to do. No chance for the goal, but largely untroubled.

Jake Sheppard (7) – Perhaps helped by Forest Green fielding no orthodox left winger, so was able to go forward on a regular basis. The youngster produced a couple of good long-distance efforts with both feet that tested Sam Russell.

Scott Doe (7.5) – Cleared a goal-bound Kaiyne Woolery effort off the line in the first half and scored the winner, so that should have seen him in contention for man of the match. However, though he nodded in the winner, some of his defensive headers left a lot to be desired.

Shaun Donnellan (6) – Marked low because of that awful mix-up which so nearly gifted Rovers the lead. Recovered well, though, and looked to be growing into the match before being forced off at the break with a back spasm.

Joe Widdowson (6.5) – Like Sheppard, largely untroubled in defence, but his delivery in the final third could have been better.

Andre Boucaud (8.5) – Controlled the tempo in midfield and his energy was superb. Perhaps should have had a goal to cap his performance, but otherwise a highly-impressive outing.

Craig Robson (8.5) – A close call between him and Boucaud for man of the match, but the former Bognor Regis Town man shades it because he was out of position. Utterly superb in midfield, with his reading of the game and tackling coming to the fore, while his distribution wasn’t bad either!

Jordan Maguire-Drew (7.5) – Good anticipation to get on the end of Fejiri Okneabirhie’s cross for the opener, and unlucky not to score in the first half too. Still feel he might be trying to do too much on his own, mind.

Corey Whitely (8) – First game back after three-match ban and boy, he was missed! Such a threat running from deep with the ball and his weight of passing in the final third was tremendous.

Fejiri Okenabirhie (7.5) – Gave a tireless display as always. A couple of moments, though, where he took too long to make a decision, whereas earlier in the season – when full of confidence – he would not have.

Oliver Hawkins (6.5) – Tried his best up top and looked to enjoy having someone closer to him in Whitely. The ex-Hemel Hempstead Town forward is starting to look a little tired, mind, and could probably do with a rest.

Substitutes:

Josh Staunton for Donnellan 46 (8) – Was brilliant in defence, epitomised by a brave double block midway through the second half.

Frankie Raymond for Maguire-Drew 78

Paul Benson for Hawkins 85