Blues impress but ultimately prove no match for Daggers

Dunstable Town produced their best performance of pre-season so far, but were well beaten by a ruthless National League side in Dagenham & Redbridge on Thursday night.

The hosts fielded a much stronger team that was held to a draw at New Bradwell St Peter earlier in the week, but, in front of a crowd of 149, fell behind early on when Fejire Okenabirhe’s effort beat keeper Jack Smith.

Dunstable’s Gary Wharton again showed his pleasing persistence, and a fine piece of individual work needed a good save at full stretch from visting keeper Elliot Justham.

However Blues stopper Smith was to impress all evening, making an excellent stops from Joe Widdowson, Tyrique Hyde and Okenabirhe.

It was 2-0 on 27 minutes though when Jordan Maguire-Drew unleashed a superb volley that found the top corner.

Dunstable were a trifle unfortunate not to reduce the arrears whe Justham saved one shot, with David Longe-King’s rebound striking the keeper’s legs.

Jack Hutchinson saw his shot well saved at the foot of the post, while Wharton’s pace gave him further opportunities but his two efforts, in quick succession. were struck wide.

After the break, the half was but five minutes old when Christian Assombalonga neted the third with a powerful header from a measured cross.

Maguire-Drew tried a cheeky chip that landed on the roof of the net, as did an effort for Daggers, before they had a fourth just past the hour mark when Okenabirhe blasted home his second of the game following a swift passing move.

Smith was able to keep the score down with further saves but the last goal came five minutes from time when Assambolonga scored his second, a fine header after another accurate right-wing cross.

Dunstable are at Arlesey this weekend, before visiting Leighton Town next Tuesday.