Barrow 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 1: Corey Whitely goal not enough as Daggers are beaten by Bluebirds

Corey Whitely of Dagenham & Redbridge is congratulated after scoring the opening goal at Barrow (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

National League: Barrow 2 (Hughes 39p, Diarra 57) Dagenham & Redbridge 1 (Whitely 11)

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Liam Hughes of Barrow is congratulated after scoring a penalty against Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Liam Hughes of Barrow is congratulated after scoring a penalty against Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Dagenham & Redbridge will no be looking over their shoulders in the race for the National League play-off places after a 2-1 loss at Barrow.

Daggers took the lead in bizarre circumstances at Holker Street with a Corey Whitely corner going all the way in, but were pegged back before the break.

The Essex club conceded a second midway through the second half, and though new signing Elliott Romain had an effort cleared off the line, Daggers could not level.

With Dover Athletic winning, it means Daggers are now just four points clear of the Kent club, who are sixth, with nine games to go.

Moussa Diarra of Barrow celebrates scoring the second goal against Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Moussa Diarra of Barrow celebrates scoring the second goal against Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Having beaten Forest Green Rovers at home the previous weekend, Daggers elected to make no changes for the trip to Cumbria.

It meant Shaun Donnellan had recovered from the back spasm that forced him off at half time last week, while Romain was named on the bench after signing on Tuesday.

The former Eastbourne Borough man is said to be similar in style to Whitely, and may struggle to take his place in the squad after the ex-Enfield Town forward opened the scoring.

In just the 11th minute, Whitely whipped a corner in from the left so wicked that it took Bluebirds keeper Jon Flatt by surprise and went all the way in.

Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still tells Shaun Tuton of Barrow what he thinks of him inciting Dagenham fans (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still tells Shaun Tuton of Barrow what he thinks of him inciting Dagenham fans (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

However, with six minutes left in the half, Barrow were level when Liam Hughes scored a penalty after Craig Robson committed a foul in the box.

And just 12 minutes into the second half, Daggers were behind when Moussa Diarra headed home a free-kick.

In need of a goal, John Still brought on Romain for his debut, with the 25-year-old having netted 20 times for Eastbourne this season.

However, Romain was unable to score what would have been a vital goal for Daggers, seeing an effort agonisingly cleared off the line.

Dagenham & Redbridge players prevent Barrow players attacking them at the full-time whistle (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Dagenham & Redbridge players prevent Barrow players attacking them at the full-time whistle (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

That was the closest Daggers came to an equaliser, and they will have to dust themselves before the trip to Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.

Barrow (4-4-2): Flatt; Beeley, Diarra, Livesey, Wilmer-Anderton; Meikle, Turnbull, Harvey, Hughes (J Thomas 90+4); Bennett (Effiong 87), Tuton (Wright 90+3)

Subs: Platt, Panayiatou

Daggers (4-2-3-1): Justham; Sheppard, Doe, Donnellan, Widdowson; Boucaud, Robson; Maguire-Drew (Romain 61), Whitely, Okenabirhie (Staunton 79); Hawkins

Subs: Cousins, Raymond, Benson

Referee: Thomas Brammall

Attendance: 1,102 (including 59 Daggers fans)