York City 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2: Oliver Hawkins and Luke Guttridge net as Daggers improve to beat Minstermen

Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge scores the opening goal at York City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

National League: York City 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2 (Hawkins 28, Guttridge 45)

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Luke Guttridge of Dagenham & Redbridge scores the second goal at York City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Luke Guttridge of Dagenham & Redbridge scores the second goal at York City (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Dagenham & Redbridge recovered from a disastrous seven days to kick start their season with a 2-0 win in the National League at York City.

In a clash of the sides relegated from the Football League last season, Daggers took control of proceedings with two first-half goals.

The Essex club were put under pressure by the Minstermen in the second half, but held firm to maintain their advantage.

Daggers made three changes for the trip to Bootham Crescent, with Elliot Justham replacing Mark Cousins in goal after Tuesday’s FA Cup match.

Andre Boucaud was restored immediately to the starting XI after returning from international duty, with Tyrique Hyde dropping to the bench.

Scott Heard was also handed his first start, coming in for Paul Benson in a move that saw Josh Staunton revert to centre-back and Oliver Hawkins leading the line.

After a cagey opening in which both sides failed to keep hold of possession for long period, Corey Whitely had a sighter for Daggers in the seventh minute.

The ex-Enfield Town forward showed great pace to beat two markers and burst into the box on the left before drawing a save from York keeper Scott Flinders.

Sadly for John Still’s men, the resulting set piece was poor and City easily cleared their lines.

At the other end, Justham was called into action three minutes later to deny Robbie McDaid from just inside the box.

The Minstermen forward had danced past the challenges of Daggers defenders Scott Doe and Staunton before shooting, but Justham got down well to save.

Things went stale from there, however, with the match not exactly enjoying a frantic start.

However, some poor defending by York nearly gifted the Essex club the lead in the 21st minute, but Maguire-Drew’s close range shot was blocked behind by Adriano Moke.

From the resulting set-piece, Hawkins rose highest at the back post, narrowly nodding just wide of the goal.

The former Hemel Hempstead Town striker headed the right side of the post just seven minutes later, though, to put Daggers ahead.

After a good period of possession, the ball was worked to Maguire-Drew on the right side of the box.

The on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion winger delivered the perfect floated cross to the back post, where Hawkins was more than happy to head in his 12th of the season.

York nearly supplied a swift response less than a minute later, but Aidan Connolly’s shot from 18 yards was comfortably held by Justham.

Two minutes later and the Daggers stopper was worked again, this time denying McDaid from the left side of the area.

On the stroke of half-time, though, the Essex club were able to double their lead through Luke Guttridge after a great move.

The play initially started when Whitley crossed from the right, with Hawkins winning the header.

Hawkins’ knockdown fell kindly for Maguire-Drew just inside the area, who in turn flicked the ball on for Guttridge to net from the penalty spot.

It proved to be the final bit of goalmouth action in the first half, with Daggers leading by two at the break.

The Victoria Road side’s two-goal cushion was almost in jeopardy just two minutes after the break, but McDaid fired high and wide from 12 yards after a poor header by Staunton.

With 14 minutes gone in the second half, Justham was tested again as he stopped a powerful half-volley by Connolly from 18 yards.

A minute later and from much further out, around 30 yards, the Daggers stopper could only push a thunderous effort from Sean Newton over the bar.

Daggers were coping under the mounting York pressure, and nearly added a third with 23 minutes remaining.

Maguire-Drew delivered a cross from the right byline that was dealt with by Danny Holmes, though the York defender nearly chested the ball past stopper Flinders.

Seven minutes later, the Yorkshire club nearly had their first of the match when substitute Daniel Nti beat Justham to a cross, but nodded over.

The Essex club were handed a boost in the 82nd minute when Moke was shown a straight red card for violent conduct during a scuffle started by a bad challenge from Heard.

With less than two minutes remaining in the match, Whitely scooped over from a matter of yards when any shot on target would have guaranteed the three points.

And in the final minute of the match, Justham pulled off another superb save to deny Newton from close range.

Thankfully, though, Daggers were able to take a clean sheet and three points from their trip to York, something they’ll aim to replicate at Maidstone United on Tuesday.

York (3-4-1-2): Flinders; Holmes, Klukowski, Fry; Heslop, Cooper, Moke, Newton; Connolly; Fenwick (Nti 58), McDaid (Rzcona 78).

Subs: Rooney, Dixon, Bruton.

Sent off: Moke 82 (violent conduct).

Daggers (4-2-3-1): Justham; Widdowson, Doe, Staunton, Raymond; Boucaud, Heard; Maguire-Drew (Benson 90+2), Guttridge, Whitely; Hawkins.

Subs: Cousins, Hyde, Barnwell, Mitchell.

Attendance: 2,410 (including 131 Daggers fans)

Referee: Martin Coy