Luke Howell of Dagenham (17) is congratulated for scoring the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Bradford City at Valley Parade. Pic: Dave Simpson/TGS

Late Hanson strike denies interim Daggers boss Burnett a winning start at Bradford

Colin Munford Wednesday, February 27, 2013
9:58 PM

League Two: Bradford City 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

Interim boss Wayne Burnett got off to a solid start with a 1-1 draw at Bradford over the League Cup finalists thanks to Luke Howell’s ninth of the season, but it could have so easily been three but for Sam Williams’ penalty miss.

Burnett was put in charge after John Still’s departure to Luton Town on Tuesday morning but made no changes from the side that lost 1-0 at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Not many chances were created throughout the first half and the closest the home side came to breaking the deadlock was when full back Rory McArdle fired a shot over the bar in the opening stages.

Medy Elito had the visitors first real opportunity of the night when his strike was tipped behind by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin after nine minutes.

But within four minutes of the restart Luke Wilkinson was brought down in the box and referee Chris Sarginson pointed to the penalty spot.

There appeared to be indecision over who would take the spot kick between Sam Williams and Elito, but the former won the discussion.

And as you could almost predict, Williams fired the penalty wide as Daggers spurned a wonderful opportunity.

Williams curled an effort wide of the target as he tried to make amends while McArdle saw another shot deflected behind for a corner.

And Daggers finally got ahead though with 69 minutes on the clock when Luke Howell shot home from the edge of D after being played in by Williams to become the club’s top goalscorer this season with nine to his name.

Alan Connell went close for the hosts to a leveller, which eventually came with four minutes remaining when substitute James Hanson finished after a cross was played into his path inadvertently by Femi Ilesanmi.

Skipper Abu Ogogo then hacked an effort off the line as Daggers held on for a solid point on their travels.

Daggers: Lewington, Ilesanmi, Doe, Wilkinson, Hoyte, Elito (Reed 86), Howell, Ogogo, Saunders, Williams, Strevens (Bingham 81)

Unused substitutes: Seabright, Green, Maher, Gracco, Dennis.

Attendance: 10,006 (58 Daggers fans)