By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
The recent dismal run of National League results continued for Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday as they were defeated 1-0 at struggling Chorley.
Alex Newby’s 63rd minute strike from 20 yards out combined with results elsewhere proved enough to take the hosts off the bottom of the table and up to 22nd, and they are now two points from safety.
Peter Taylor’s Daggers remained in 16th spot despite this being their sixth league defeat in their last seven league games.
And it wasn’t a much happier day for our local sides in the National League South, none of whom managed to register a victory.
Braintree Town – yet to win under the management of Jake Hutchings – were soundly beaten 4-0 by Hampton & Richmond Borough at Cressing Road.
Ruaridh Donaldson fired the Beavers in front with only three minutes played and Louie Soares doubled their lead on 17 minutes.
Then on the hour mark Ryan Hill scored Hampton’s third from the penalty spot, before ex-Billericay Town defender Charlie Wassmer made it four in the final minute when he headed home from a corner.
Despite the loss, Braintree stay in eighth place just outside the play-off positions.
Chelmsford City dropped to 13th place in the NLS after being held to a 1-1 draw at bottom club St Albans City.
City led at half-time thanks to Shaun Jeffers’ strike late in the first half.
But with 21 minutes remaining the home side – managed by former Arsenal midfielder Ian Allinson – grabbed a share of the spoils when Munashe Sundire put the ball past Clarets goalkeeper Sam Howes to snatch an important point for his team.
Concord Rangers lost after what was always going to be a tough task for them, as they were defeated 3-0 away to league leaders Wealdstone.
All three of the hosts’ goals – scored by Jacob Mendy, Ross Lafayette and Michael Phillips – came in the second half.
The result left Concord in 15th place and Wealdstone are now six points clear at the top of the table.
Billericay Town were out of action for the second Saturday in succession, as their home game with Havant & Waterlooville was called off.
Once again issues with the condition of the New Lodge pitch resulted in a postponement.
Jamie O’Hara’s men are currently in 11th spot in the NLS.
