With spirits lifted after the midweek defeat of Southend at Roots Hall, The Shots headed back to Essex in good heart, hopeful of another three points and an outside chance of climbing out of the relatively unfamiliar territory of the bottom two.
From the off, it was clear that this was going to be an open match. Neither team showed any hint of playing for a draw and both went for each other's throat from the off. End to end stuff it was, although rather oddly, there were very few clear cut chances.
Early on, Wilkinson went closest for Daggers, Bradley for Shots - both headers. Vincenti dragged a shot wide. At times the pace was frantic, but as a result, the quality suffered somewhat.
The first half continued in much the same vein throughout and whilst the pace never let up, neither side could find a key moment. Just prior to the interval, Daggers played a neat one-two and looked to be through on goal, only for Tonkin to nick the ball away. Great tackle.
After the break the match continued in similar vein. Vincenti picked up a caution for a mistimed lunge.
Shots spurned a great opportunity to take the lead on 56 minutes. A long punt forward by Tonkin, bounced over the back-pedalling Doe and Danny pounced. With the keeper coming out towards him, Danny flicked the ball over him, but just wide, with the goal gaping.
Like boxers, both teams kept jabbing away, but couldnt find that knockout blow. Shots very nearly did on 77 minutes though. Hylton did well to hook in a left footed cross from the by-line and Rankine met it from an acute angle, with a thumping volley. However, Lewington in the Daggers goal threw himself toward the shot and somehow blocked it.
Ultimately, the match was to remain goalless and after two minutes of added time, referee Woolmer brought an end to proceedings.
"Never underestimate the power of a point" they say, especially one that is gained away from home! This one leaves Shots in 23rd place, but only on goal difference now. Next up-Wycombe.
Shots: Young, Herd, Tonkin, Bradley, Brown, Morris, Vincenti, Rose, Hylton, Reid, Rankine. Subs not used: Morris(G), Rodman, Payne, Branston, Mekki, Donnelly, Munns. Att: 1770 (331 Shots fans)