By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
Dagenham & Redbridge slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to FC Halifax Town, who top the National League after three games as a result of having the only remaining 100% record in non-League football’s top flight.
Liam McAlinden was the scorer for the Shaymen 15 minutes into the match, scoring from the rebound after Daggers goalkeeper Eliot Justham parried away an initial shot from Cameron King.
In the National League South Concord Rangers’ excellent start to the season continued, as they defeated Slough Town 2-1 at the Aspect Arena.
Decarrey Sherriff netted a brace for the second game in succession, with goals in the third and 57th minutes either side of Slough’s equaliser from Ben Harris four minutes into the second half.
The win ensured Concord are joint top of the table along with newly promoted Dorking Wanderers, both teams having won all three games so far and having identical records.
But it was an unhappy afternoon for the division’s other three Essex clubs.
After beginning their campaign with two wins on the bounce Billericay Town suffered a 2-0 reversal at Chippenham Town.
Luke Hopper and Nat Jarvis were the marksmen for the hosts, and to make matters worse for Ricay they had to play two-thirds of the match with 10 men after Tambeson Eyong was shown a straight red card on the half-hour mark.
Then Matt Rhead had a penalty saved in the final moments, to make it an afternoon to forget for Harry Wheeler and his side.
Meanwhile Chelmsford City suffered their second away defeat in a row, as they were beaten 4-1 away to Weymouth.
The afternoon started well for Rod Stringer’s team, Shaun Jeffers putting them in front from the penalty spot after 13 minutes.
But a Josh McQuoid hat-trick – two of which were penalties – and a fourth from Ben Thomson sealed victory for the Terras.
Braintree Town have yet to pick up their first point of the season after beginning 2019/20 with three straight defeats, the latest of which was against Wealdstone at Cressing Road.
A first-half own goal from Ollie Saunders, followed by strikes after the break from Danny Green, Jacob Mendy and Billy Clifford ensured an emphatic 4-0 win for the visitors.
