Daggers first team coach Wayne Burnett. Pic: Dave Simpson/TGSPhoto

Daggers shock Stevenage to reach round two

First team coach Wayne Burnett was delighted with the character shown by Dagenham & Redbridge’s youngsters as they weathered a late storm to progress in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Brian Woodall, Josh Scott and Michael Spillane had fired Daggers into a 3-1 lead at half time, with Stevenage netting through captain Mark Roberts.

But the League One side were much improved after the break and enjoyed plenty of possession after getting back to within one goal through Robin Shroot.

But Daggers, who fielded a starting line-up with an average age of 23, saw out the late flurry of activity inside their own half to ensure their place in the hat for the southern area second round draw.

“We’re in the next round and there are a lot of positives to take,” said Burnett.

“I’m very pleased. We did most of the damage in the first half scoring three goals. We were under a little bit of pressure in the second half, but we managed to hold on.

“We dominated the first half, so we expected them to come out stronger in the second half. But sometimes when you have so many young players in the team the nerves show. But I felt the players held on incredibly well.

“Some young players were given an opportunity and didn’t do themselves any harm whatsoever.”