One game at a time – for Dagenham & Redbridge’s Josh Rees (Image: Thomas Edwards/Getty Images)
Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Josh Rees feels it is important to have a ‘one game at a time mentality’ as the business end of the season approaches.
The Daggers occupy 11th place in the Vanarama National League after a slow start to the campaign.
Rees believes their performances should have them higher up in the table.
“I think the campaign has had its fair share of ups and downs,” he admitted.
“Obviously, we were bitterly disappointed with our performances in the cup competitions, which were by no means good enough.
“In regard to the league, I think the performances have been mostly very positive but there have been a number of games where we have fallen short in key moments and ultimately not come away with a victory.
“A lack of ruthlessness combined with some ill fortune has probably cost us around ten points in all honesty and I think the stats back that up.
“Then it’s a totally different conversation about how you view the season.
“But this league always does throw up irregularities so it’s up to us to rectify them with the remaining games.
“Since the turn of the New Year though, I feel we have been a lot more consistent as a squad of players.
“Most of the squad is available for selection now which wasn’t the case earlier on in the season.”
Ben Strevens’ side have been on a good run of form of late, beating Rochdale and Oxford City as well as draws at York City and Solihull Moors.
Rees looks at what has influenced Dagenham’s recent upturn in form.
“I think having most of your squad available helps with consistency and familiarity,” the ex-Chelmsford City man believes.
“It’s a squad that’s been mainly assembled this season so people have taken time to understand each other’s games.
“We had some key players out for long periods pre-Christmas and this meant players were having to perform in unfamiliar roles at times with different combinations every week.
“With the squad strong now, everyone is pushing for a starting place.
“Even before that though I’d say a lot of the performances were good but we lacked the clinical edge that teams like Chesterfield have.
“Since the turn of the year, I feel like we are a lot better at finding a way to win football matches.”
Following a 2-2 draw at Bromley on Tuesday night, Dagenham host FC Halifax Town and Altrincham and by playing two sides who sit above them in the table, it will give the Daggers a good measure of their aim for the play-offs.
Rees previews those two clashes.
“Without being dismissive of the opposition, I think the next two games are as tough as the three fixtures preceding or any fixtures after,” he stated.
“This league is relentless and there is never a minute’s rest regardless of who you are playing.
“I think what we have done well recently is take one game at a time.
“Altrincham will pose different threats to Halifax and vice versa.
“I’d be lying to say we aren’t aware of the league positions but the focus is within the 90 minutes where we aim to win every game.
“The measure of our season ultimately comes when all 46 games are played.”
The 30-year-old arrived at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in the summer following a spell at fellow National League side Boreham Wood.
Rees has been enjoying life in East London so far.
“I have enjoyed my time at the club so far,” he said.
“The team and management staff are first and foremost good people and I enjoy working with them on a daily basis.
“Even though I’m now 30 and have played many games at this level, I’m always learning new things.
“The club has a good core fanbase who support us well home and away.
“There have been some really enjoyable games such as Dorking Wanderers away and Eastleigh on Boxing Day where the atmosphere and support were top-drawer.
“We just need to make sure that becomes much more of a regular occurrence.
Rees also looks at Dagenham’s aims for the rest of the season as they look to close the gap between them and the play-off places.
“I think I don’t want to sway away from the one game at a time mentality from a team and personal perspective,” he admits.
“The league is so tight and there are so many permutations that it’s sometimes foolish to look too far ahead.
“I just want to make sure I can give 100% for the club and then within that, make contributions that affect the outcome of the game in our favour.”
