By JOHN CHUBB

@JohnCphoenixfm

Daryl McMahon saw his Dagenham & Redbridge side lose a National League game for the first time in nearly two months in charge of the club, as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat away to leaders Barrow who are now eight points clear at the top of the table.

It was the Daggers’ first league reversal since their 3-0 defeat at Bromley on 28th December, a result which was followed by the departure of previous manager Peter Taylor.

Tom White put the hosts in front after just six minutes before Alex Reid quickly replied four minutes later.

But Patrick Brough won the match for Barrow just before the half-hour mark to leave McMahon’s men still in 19th place and only a point from safety.

In the National League South, with Concord Rangers due to be in FA Trophy action and Chelmsford City‘s match at Hampton & Richmond being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, there were only two matches involving Essex sides.

Braintree Town hauled themselves out of the relegation zone into 18th spot with an impressive 2-0 victory at home to fourth-placed Bath City, thanks to second-half goals from Jordan Chiedozie and Liam Smyth.

But being only a point from the drop zone the Iron are still looking over their shoulders, as are Billericay Town who are currently only out of the bottom two on goal difference following a 1-1 draw at Eastbourne Borough, who had started the day one place above Jamie O’Hara’s side.

Charlie Walker gave the home team the lead after just 90 seconds but Jack Paxman’s equaliser just after the interval ensured that the honours were shared.

Phoenix FM’s Scott Lanza was at the match and his report can be seen here.

Despite their precarious position Billericay are potentially better placed to get out of trouble than some, having at least one game in hand on all of the sides around them.