Matthew Saunders of Dagenham is congratulated by Brian Woodall for scoring the opening goal. Pic: Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO

League Two: Accrington Stanley 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

Daggers got back to winning ways with a fine performance at Accrington Stanley thanks to goals in either half from Matt Saunders and Luke Howell.

It proved to be their first win in four games and it was a much improved display by the visitors who dominated first half proceedings.

Boss John Still made two changes to the side which lost 3-1 at Northampton Town on New Year’s Day with Gavin Hoyte and Brian Woodall coming in for Michael Spillane and Jake Reed.

Accrington, buoyed by a 1-0 win over Chesterfield on Tuesday, started the brighter and after just three minutes the signs looked ominous for the visitors as Padraig Amond fired an effort just over Chris Lewington’s bar.

But that proved as good as it got for the home side as Daggers began to come into the game.

On the quarter of an hour mark Brian Woodall forced a save from home goalkeeper Cameron Belford when he headed Saunders’ left wing corner.

Six minutes later though and Still’s side were in front as Saunders superbly glanced in Medy Elito’s left wing cross.

And as the half wore on they started to dominate more and more, with Williams firing over and Saunders seeing a back post shot blocked.

Five minutes before half time Accrington had their only real chance of an equaliser when debutant Lawrence Wilson fired a fierce effort straight at Lewington.

The visitors started the second period on the front foot and could have doubled their tally inside the opening minute when skipper Abu Ogogo saw an effort blocked by Lee Molyneux.

But Daggers did get the second goal they deserved on 52 minutes with another well-worked move as Saunders played the ball out to Woodall.

He in turn found Luke Howell and his shot across goal nestled into the net for his seventh of the season.

The visitors eased off and allowed Accrington more possession but everything that was thrown at the Daggers was dealt with Scott Doe and Luke Wilkinson dominating the aerial battle with former England international James Beattie.

In fact it was Lee Molyneux who went closest for the home side when his left footed effort was well pushed away by Lewington.

Sam Williams was booked for an apparent dive in the area after being brought down, much to his disbelief.

But with the three points already secured the visitors – who moved up to 14th with this victory – had a chance to add a third but Elito fired into the side netting.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington, Hoyte, Doe, Wilkinson, Ilesanmi, Ogogo, Saunders, Howell, Elito, Williams, Woodall (Scott 90+1).

Substitutes not used: Seabright, Spillane, Maher, Caprice, Bingham, Gracco.

Attendance: 1,031 (37 Dagenham fans)