Dagenham & Redbridge ratings: Daggers need to sharpen up at home

Luke Guttridge of Dagenham & Redbridge and Daniel Sparkes of Torquay 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 loss at home to Torquay United

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Sean McGinty of Torquay United and Paul Benson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Sean McGinty of Torquay United and Paul Benson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Dagenham & Redbridge assistant Darren Currie said the squad only had themselves to blame after losing to Torquay United, and it was indeed too true.

Daggers dominated the first half and should have held the lead at the break, and even in the second period before Kieffer Moore struck, they had their chances.

As seems the norm this season, the visiting keeper, this time Brendan Moore, had his best match, but that alone isn’t the reason why Daggers lost.

Too often in recent weeks, the Essex club have looked devoid of ideas in the final third.

Ever since Fejiri Okenabirhie was injured against Macclesfield Town, Daggers have missed Corey Whitely running through the middle, with the forward out on the wing.

A change in formation against Torquay showed Whitely is capable of in a central position, and Daggers must find a way to get him back there regularly.

Elliot Justham (7.5) – Again made some terrific saves, including one to deny Kieffer Moore before he struck the winner, which the keeper could do little about.

Josh Staunton (7) – Bombed forward frequently and looked to have the better of Dan Sparkes in defence.

Scott Doe (6) – His frustration was evident after Kieffer Moore’s goal, knowing he could have perhaps done better to put the burly striker off.

Magnus Okuonghae (6) – Better than Saturday, but struggled to deal with the threat of Nathan Blissett once he was introduced.

Joe Widdowson (6.5) – Gulls winger David Fitzpatrick rarely got the better of him, but again could have done more in attack.

Andre Boucaud (6.5) – Gave the ball away too cheaply too often in the second half, though did at least bust a gut getting back trying to recover the ball.

Frankie Raymond (6) – Naughty challenge to earn him a fifth booking of the season and keep him out of the trip to Dover Athletic on Saturday.

Jordan Maguire-Drew (6.5) – Mightily unlucky not to turn Luke Guttridge’s shot past the unbeatable Brendan Moore, but final balls did not ask enough questions of the Torquay defence.

Luke Guttridge (5) – Not his best game, but it was his attitude which more so annoyed me. Midway through the second half, played a poor pass behind Chris Assombalonga, who wanted the ball played in front and was already on his way, yet Guttridge vented his fury at the forward for not reaching it. If you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world, so own up; don’t for a second blame others, especially team mates, for your failings.

Corey Whitely (8) – Was at the heart of everything good for Daggers and, realistically, looked the only one capable of troubling Brendan Moore.

Oliver Hawkins (6) – Had little chance to demonstrate his ability before being forced off early with a back injury.

Substitutes:

Paul Benson for Hawkins 35 (5) – Was tasked with taking on the target man role, but going up against two centre-backs around six foot five inches in height, was always going to be a tough task.

Chris Assombalonga for Maguire-Drew 64 (5) – Full of energy and running, but his technical ability let him down.