After back-to-back cup fixtures, league football returns as we make the trip across London to Dagenham & Redbridge. 

 

Having both suffered the same fate last campaign, recent meetings between the two sides are fairly easy to come by. Last time out Dagenham came out 1-0 victors, as Josh Rees headed in Ryan Hill’s delivery into the top corner for the game’s only goal – both now departed for Hornchurch and Aldershot respectively. The reverse fixture saw it finish level as James Golding’s opening strike for the Magpies was cancelled out by current Magpie Josh Umerah. United’s last victory in that part of London came in Round 4 of the FA Trophy in 2023 as Shawn McCoulsky’s goal in the opening stages was rounded off by a Charlee Adams penalty in first half stoppage time. 

 

Dagenham was home to the 'Village Blues Club' between 1969 and 1975, and at the time was London’s premier rock music venue. Bands such as Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Queen all played there during the building’s short time operating as music venue before being repurposed as various other things like a bingo hall and a Pentecostal church. In 2007, a documentary was produced about the club in which they interviewed artists who appeared there in their heyday, including Brian May of Queen and Mick Box of Uriah Heep. 

 

A recent run of form has seen the Daggers move off, what was, a lowly position in the National League South. Securing eleven points from the last 18 available has taken them to 16th in the table. Wins against Enfield Town, Chippenham Town and Eastbourne Borough have been crucial to this lift off. Potentially the return of former Premier League striker Andy Carroll has been key to this, with his two goals across the three victories. His partner in the forward line, Ashley Hemmings, tops the Dagenham scoring charts with five this campaign including one in the victory over Enfield in mid-October. Their most recent result was a 2-0 win over Tilbury in the FA Trophy as Christian Maghoma and Dylan Stephenson both grabbed their first of the season. 

 

A recent barren run of form for United was temporarily forgotten about thanks to a 4-0 victory over Winslow United in the Berks & Bucks Cup during the week. A combination of starters and rotated players put in an assertive performance, with Corie Andrews’ first half double, a Kai Yearn wonder strike and Noah Stewart’s calm finish setting up a quarter-final tie with Reading U21. However, United do still wait for their first league victory in over a month, but more games present more opportunities to get back on track. 

If you are coming from the West, follow the M25 Clockwise until junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. Proceed along the M11 and as the road splits at the end of the motorway follow the signs for A406 South & A13. There are speed cameras along this road and the speed limit is 50 mph. After 5 miles, take the slip road on the left signposted A13 Dagenham, Tilbury and Southend. There are speed cameras along this road and the speed limit is 40 mph. 

 

Go under the underpass and over the flyover and with the leisure complex on your left bear left onto the A1306 signposted Dagenham East. At the fifth set of lights with McDonalds in front of you, tern left onto the A1112, Ballards Road. The speed limit is 30mph and there is a speed camera on your left. At the Bull Roundabout bear left and go past Dagenham East Tube Station. Victoria Road is the fifth turning on the left. 

 

Post code: RM10 7XL 

 

The nearest Tube station is Dagenham East on the District Line of London’s Underground Network. Dagenham East is accessible from Maidenhead by boarding either Elizabeth Line trains to Whitechapel, or GWR trains to Paddington then boarding the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Whitechapel. From Whitechapel, board the District Line train to Dagenham East (roughly 30 minute journey). After exiting the station turn left and the ground is the fifth turning on the left about 400 metres from the station. 

 

This fixture is segregated.  

 

Tickets are available both online and on the gate. Online prices are as follows (with on-the-day prices in brackets): 

 

Adult: £20 (£22) 

Concession/Disabled: £15 (£17) 

Young Adults (17-21): £12 (£14) 

Juniors (10-16): £8 (£10) 

Child (under 10): £1 (£1)