Dagenham & Redbridge 1 York City 0 player ratings: Elliott Romain home debut for Daggers lights up otherwise dull game against Minstermen

Asa Hall of York City and Elliott Romain of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Ned Keating provides player ratings following the 1-0 win at home to York City in the National League

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Dagenham & Redbridge’s win over York City in the National League may not live long in the memory, but it could be one of the Essex club’s most important victories of the season.

In a game lacking any real quality, Frankie Raymond’s winner eight minutes from time was a rare piece of brilliance in an otherwise dull game.

Other positives for the Victoria Road outfit included an impressive home debut for Elliott Romain, while the defence kept a first clean sheet since January 28.

At this stage in the season, it does not matter how you win, just that you do and that was never truer for Daggers than against the Minstermen.

Elliot Justham (6) – By and large, the former Luton Town stopper was untroubled, though did make some important saves when required. However, his decision to let a long punt into the box hit the post before collecting it could have been costly.

Curtley Williams (7) – It was a delight to see the former Lowestoft Town defender back on the pitch after such a long spell out with a knee injury. The full-back had little to do in defence, but was certainly keen to show his attacking intent.

Scott Doe (7) – York had some big boys in attack, but the Daggers skipper coped well with their threats and nullified them effectively. The 28-year-old deserved a clean sheet and a win on his 300th appearance.

Josh Staunton (7) – Like Doe alongside him, the former Charlton Athletic youngster dealt brilliantly with the City threats. There were one or two hairy moments, but thankfully they did not prove fatal.

Great goal from @Dag_RedFC haven't been for a while; always good to see a win! GO DAGGERS! #Dagenham pic.twitter.com/2DllUIFFIy — Andrew Achilleos (@AndyAchilleos) March 25, 2017

Joe Widdowson (6) – The left-back had to provide the width for Daggers down the flank and did so regularly. The Minstermen offered little going forward, so like Williams on the right, did not have much to do defensively.

Craig Robson (6) – The former Bognor Regis Town man looked comfortabe once more in midfield despite playing most of the season in defence. The 25-year-old provided a good shield for the back four and broke up several York attacks.

Luke Guttridge (6) – The ex-Luton Town midfielder may not have had as much of an impact on the game as he would have liked, but his experience was crucial. He was constantly communicating with his colleagues going forward, something which Daggers needed in the absence of Andre Boucaud.

Luke Howell (7) – The former Lincoln City man was another who made a pleasing return to the starting XI after a spell on the sidelines. There were a couple of moments in the first half where he went for the ‘Hollywood moment’ rather than being sensible, but helped the Essex club see the game out well.

Corey Whitely (7) – When the former Enfield Town man is in the hole behind the striker, he is one of the most dangerous players in the league. Given something of a free role against York, he popped up all over the pitch and was unlucky not to score.

Elliott Romain (7) – It was a home debut to be proud of for the ex-Eastbourne Borough striker. On another day, he could have had a hat-trick, but his work rate and commitment was top notch.

Paul Benson (6) – The evergreen forward came close with a couple of efforts in the first half and linked up well with Romain. However, after not scoring, it is difficult to see him keeping his place in the starting XI was leading scorer Oliver Hawkins returns.

Substitutes:

Frankie Raymond for Guttridge 78 – There was not enough time for the midfielder to officially get a rating, but he made another telling contribution from the bench. Everything about the goal, from the build-up play to the finish, was special.