DAGENHAM and Redbridge could hardly be in better heart for their trip to Nene Park to tackle Rushden and Diamonds, the leaders of the Nationwide Conference, tonight. The 6-1 thrashing of Hednesford Town has lifted last season’s Ryman League champions to fourth place in the table and put them in a positive frame of mind to make life uncomfortable for the unbeaten title favourites. Garry Hill, the Dagenham manager, said: “We’ve started very well and we’re looking forward to going there. It will be a big test for us. Rushden played us early in the season and beat us 2-0 and had too much quality for us all round, but we’ve been improving during the season and have gained in confidence.” That Rushden, who have won all five of their matches on their travels, have dropped points in three drawn matches at home — most recently to Kettering Town on Saturday — does not surprise Hill.

“If players aren’t lifted by playing at their set-up, they won’t be anywhere,” he said. “I don’t think Rushden get quite the same amount of space there as they do away from home. Things are a bit more condensed. Having said that, I think Rushden are by far the best side we’ve played or I’ve watched this season.”

As the only other side unbeaten away from home so far, Dagenham take impressive credentials for examination in a season that Hill has marked as part of a two-year consolidation for the club on its return to the Conference after a four-season absence.

Although largely keeping the Ryman League winning squad together, Hill brought in Tony Roberts, the former Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, to replace Paul Newell, and struck lucky in the signing of Mark Brennan, 35, the former Ipswich Town, Manchester City, and Oldham Athletic midfield player.

Brennan had been playing for Sydney Olympic in Australia and moved into the area on his return to England. “He phoned me, started training with us and enjoyed himself enough to sign for us,” Hill said. “His experience has been a great help for the players because we’ve got six under 24 in the side and also for me with the coaching. Mark does tremendous things in training and shows the same on the field. He scored with a 35-yard chip on Saturday.”

Twice on the scoresheet against Hednesford was Drewe Broughton, making his first appearance on loan from Peterborough United as partner to Junior McDougald. “He’s a big lad, 6ft 3in,” Hill said. “He gives us an option we’d been missing. He can hold things up or can get on the end of things in the penalty area.” Hill felt it was a feather in the cap of Dagenham that Broughton turned down a move to Yeovil Town before agreeing to play at Victoria Road.

• Tomorrow: third division

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