After a much-needed victory to stop the slide, normal service resumed as the Daggers were uninspiring once more in defeat to Eastleigh: one step forward, two steps back.

It was a poor game all round in truth, though Dagenham more than played their part in that. It was a performance that was the definition of handing the opposition the victory by Darly McMahon’s men, Eastleigh didn’t have to break sweat.

A lethargic Dagenham side put the fewer than 1,000 home supporters to sleep and made many think those who steered clear of Victoria Road on Tuesday night made the right decision.

READ MORE: https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/sport/23328840.dagenham-redbridge-boss-mcmahon-wants-see-courage/

It was a worrying display above all else, having much of the ball and doing absolutely nothing with it, the Spitfires sitting back safe in the knowledge they weren’t to be threatened by any quality in the Daggers attack.

This is all despite a spark of hope of a resurgence last Saturday as Inih Effiong bagged a brace against Solihull Moors to introduce himself to the Victoria Road faithful. 

The fears of it being a one-off may have been realised as the Daggers slumped to a fourth defeat in five league games - what next?

There are feelings of pressure building on McMahon and the players, but equally, nobody can see any significant change any time soon - in personnel or performances.

As is now seemingly a weekly occurrence, the Daggers boss berated his players once more after Tuesday night’s latest episode in the uninspiring performances series. He questioned whether it was just ‘a job’ to some of his players - missing that bit between their teeth.

We’ve been over this before and the same answer is that for all the honesty, the buck stops with the man in the dugout. Surely, he must soon turn the questions of the performances on himself - is he capable of stopping this cycle?

If he believes he is, he’ll have to put an end to it very soon. Miraculously, despite poor form, the Daggers remain in the play-off picture - two points adrift. Albeit now those occupying those last play-off places have a game in hand as well as the two-point advantage.

Nonetheless, a sharp turn of the corner could avert another season of disappointment as we approach the home straight - 16 games to get it together. It begins with a trip to Lincolnshire this Saturday and it’s a game we’ve got to win against a relegation-fighting Scunthorpe side.

Only a win will suffice, otherwise I don’t know what or who else McMahon will be able to blame - he can’t go at his players once more?

Let’s hope he gets the response we desperately need and he’s heaping praise on them come next week - the Daggers three points better off!

Until then, Come On You Daggers!