National League: Barnet 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

The opening stages provided little to shout about for either side as a lack of quality restricted any real chances.

The Bees began the game on top but couldn’t take advantage of the territory they had in Dagenham’s half with Sam Granville’s effort from a free-kick the only real opportunity for either team.

It was a cagey affair and neither side looked like they were playing for anything as early loose touches from Barnet striker David Moyo and Dagenham’s Effiong led to nothing.

The first chance of the game fell at the feet of Bees midfielder Marvin Armstrong after a mazy run from Granville on the left-hand side. The ball rolled across the six-yard box only for Armstrong to fire over the bar from close range.

It was a disappointing effort as Dean Brennan’s side were just growing into the game and looked like the side most likely to take the lead.

Dagenham then had a brilliant chance of their own as the below-par Effiong went through on goal and tamely side-footed the ball straight into the palms of Bees keeper Laurie Walker.

The visitors then immediately began to turn the screw with the impressive Elliot Johnson looking very tidy in possession both infield and on the exterior, repeatedly bringing the ball down and releasing well.

Moyo then went close for the home side but Daggers stopper Elliot Justham got down well to push the ball away from danger.

The second half kicked off in exhilarating fashion as Moyo went through on goal almost immediately, but his tame effort was easily saved by Justham.

A long ball over the top then sent Effiong through one-on-one with Walker and finished well to put Ben Strevens’ side 1-0 up.

Barnet looked rattled and seemed concerned that the game was getting away from them, constantly firing aimless balls into the Dagenham box with no result.

The absence of Harry Pritchard in the heart of the Bees midfield felt troubling for Dean Brennan’s side as the partnership of…