By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
In the National League Dagenham & Redbridge put the disappointment of an opening day defeat behind them, as they travelled to Dover Athletic for their first away fixture of 2019/20 and came away with a 2-1 victory.
And one of Dagenham manager Peter Taylor’s summer signings returned to haunt his old club.
Midfield man Mitch Brundle – who moved to the Chigwell Construction Stadium from the Kent club during the close season – slotted home a decisive 54th minute penalty after ex-Daggers defender Scott Doe was adjudged to have tripped Angelo Balanta, who earlier had given the visitors the lead in the 26th minute before Alfie Pavey equalised for Dover eight minutes before half-time.
Joan Luque produced a stand-out performance for Dagenham, the Spanish winger hitting the post then later having a shot cleared off the line, as well as setting up Balanta for the opening goal.
Tuesday night’s National League South schedule included two Essex local derbies, and Concord Rangers top the table after the first two games of the season following their 2-1 win over Chelmsford City.
The ‘A130 derby’ attracted a crowd of over 1000 to the Aspect Arena, but it was the home fans who went home happy as Decarrey Sherriff scored two goals either side of half-time. Ollie Muldoon pulled one back for the Clarets with 10 minutes of the match remaining.
In the night’s other all-Essex affair Braintree Town hosted Billericay Town, and it was the visitors who took the three points as they won 3-2.
Tom Richardson headed the hosts in front after 12 minutes, before the Blues were awarded a penalty several minutes later.
Matt Rhead stepped forward to take the kick, and the ex-Lincoln City man made no mistake from the spot as he levelled the scores.
Harry Wheeler’s men then took the lead on the hour mark courtesy of a Moses Emmanuel header, but their lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Richardson scored his second – again with his head – to level for the Iron.
But Billericay secured all three points with 20 minutes to go, as Charlie Wassmer headed home from a corner to make it two league wins out of two for his side.
For more details of this match Leigh @beakster99’s match report can be seen here.
