Dagenham & Redbridge given too many chances says Bromley boss Neil Smith

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

Daggers took full advantage of generosity says Ravens manager

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Dagenham & Redbridge were gifted all their goals in a 3-1 National League win at Bromley, according to Ravens boss Neil Smith.

Corey Whitely had fired Daggers ahead after a quarter of an hour, but the Essex club were pegged back five minutes after half-time when Rob Swaine nodded in a corner.

Three minutes later, Jordan Maguire-Drew put John Still’s men back in front, and the Victoria Road outfit were given a further boost when Swaine was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the build-up to that goal.

Maguire-Drew was then fouled in the box in the 56th minute, allowing Oliver Hawkins to slam home his 10th of the season from the spot and wrap up the victory for Daggers.

It was a bonkers start to the second half at Hayes Lane, but have seen his side battle back to level against Daggers, Bromley manager Smith was saddened to see his team throw it all away.

“I had a go at the players at half-time, they needed to up their game and it was a great goal from Rob. We’re back in it and then there was five minutes of madness in terms of our decision making,” Smith told Bromley’s official YouTube channel.

“We got caught on the ball, dived into tackles, Dagenham scored on the break and then another decision where I’m not sure why we didn’t clear our lines.

“We gave away the penalty and it was game over. You’re not going to come back with 10 men, though we had a chance with Tobi late on to keep the score down.

“You can’t give a team like Dagenham, who will wear you down, any chances and we gifted them everything.”

Smith was also not best pleased with his squad’s showing in the first half against Daggers either, but admits the Essex club showed why they are currently leading the way in the National League.

“We were poor first half, the first 45 minutes we didn’t start at all. We knew Dagenham are a side that would put us under pressure, they’re top of the league and we knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Smith.