Dagenham & Redbridge: Oliver Hawkins provides a case for the defence

Oliver Hawkins of Dagenham & Redbridge and Kevin Lokko of Maidstone United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Ned Keating provides player ratings following the 1-0 National League win at Maidstone United

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Luke Guttridge of Dagenham & Redbridge is congratulated after scoring the opening goal at Maidstone United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Luke Guttridge of Dagenham & Redbridge is congratulated after scoring the opening goal at Maidstone United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Bizarrely after not scoring at Maidstone United and getting his feet in a muddle when he had a good chance, Dagenham & Redbridge striker Oliver Hawkins may have seen his value increase.

After Luke Guttridge had given Daggers a 26th minute lead with his second goal in as many games, captain Scott Doe was forced off at half-time with a hamstring injury.

That led to Hawkins, the Essex club’s top scorer, moving to centre-back, where he excelled and is sure to have impressed any watching scouts with his versatility ahead of the January window.

Elliot Justham (8) – Another splendid display in goal, denying Alex Flisher and Jack Paxman with good saves in the first half and showing good reactions to keep out a Jimmy Shepherd deflection in the second.

Nana Ofori-Twumasi of Maidstone United and Paul Benson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Nana Ofori-Twumasi of Maidstone United and Paul Benson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Jimmy Shepherd (7) – After a nervy start, grew into the game and marshalled the right flank well. Could become a regular starter because of injury woes.

Scott Doe (6.5) – At one stage, lost the ball cheaply in the Stones half, which allowed Alex Flisher to break and draw a foul from Daggers skipper before nearly scoring the free-kick. Other than that, a decent, if brief, showing.

Josh Staunton (7.5) – Did very well alongside Hawkins in the second half to keep Maidstone out.

Joe Widdowson (7) – As the experienced head in the back four second half, had to ensure it kept its shape, which it did.

Andre Boucaud (7) – A couple of wayward passes, but again dictated play in the middle of the park. Will be a big loss for Saturday.

Frankie Raymond (7) – Did well in the water-carrier role, but like Boucaud also sent a few passes away from their intended target.

Jordan Maguire-Drew (7) – Should have had at least one goal and was getting close and closer, but did not appear as influential as he was on Saturday.

Luke Guttridge (7) – Got the match-winner, but at times slowed the ball down too much when a pass needed to be played.

Corey Whitely (7.5) – Better than Saturday and delivered a cracking ball for the opener, but seemed to go quiet in the second half after a menacing first period.

Oliver Hawkins (8.5) – Displayed his ability in various positions: bullied the Maidstone defence in the first half and controlled their attack in the second. Obviously not ideal to have your star striker at centre-back, but must commend him for the job he did.

Subs:

Paul Benson for Doe 46 (6) – Struggled to get involved in the game, though did hold the ball up well when required.