Boss John Still says he could not have asked for more from Dagenham & Redbridge despite National League play-offs semi-final defeat at Forest Green Rovers

Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers saw promotion dream end at New Lawn, but manager content with display

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Boss John Still insists he was pleased with the display from Dagenham & Redbridge, despite losing the second leg of their National League play-offs semi-final 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers.

With the first leg on Thursday ending 1-1, it really was ‘winner takes all’ at the New Lawn.

However, first-half goals from Christian Doidge and Keanu Marsh-Brown for FGR condemned Daggers to a 3-1 aggregate defeat.

The Essex club started both halves brightly, but in truth struggled to carve out much in the way of openings.

Still, however, asserted his belief that his side gave a good account of themselves in defeat.

“We couldn’t have done anymore. First half, we started the better and it was very even, but I thought we gave them their first goal,” said the 67-year-old.

“In that respect, Joe Widdowson should have done better to clear the ball. The second goal was a deflection off a Curtley Williams, so we suffer that and can’t do anything about it.

“The second half, we chopped and changed a bit, but couldn’t get that final ball in the box, but nor could they.

“Neither team could create anything in and around the box, it was that sort of game. In terms of what we’ve given the game, I’m delighted.

Defeat in the play-offs saw Daggers season come to a disappointing end, but the Victoria Road club can still be proud of how the campaign has gone.

For a club to have signed 20 players, including loans, since last June and deal with the number of injuries they have had, to finish in the top five is nothing short of remarkable.

The likes of Matt Robinson and Fejiri Okenabirhie, who missed large chunks of the term, will be back fit and fighting in August to boost Daggers’ cause.

And Still was keen to stress that missing out on promotion this year did not derail his project at the club.

“Forest Green have been doing this for a few years, but for us, this isn’t the end, it’s the start and it’s a fantastic start,” he added.

“We’ll have a nice rest, do our work off the pitch and get the boys back together next year.”