A well-earned victory on the road against a strong Rochdale side, off the back of a valuable point at play-off contenders Solihull Moors - are things starting to come together for Ben Strevens’ Daggers?

The delight, and no doubt relief, that the hard work is beginning to pay off, was visible in Strevens’ celebrations in front of the away support on Saturday. The 2-1 win was secured by a ruthless Inih Effiong brace coupled with an assured and disciplined performance.

The late point rescued by new loan signing Dion Pereira in midweek also came as part of an encouraging display that saw the Daggers in control for large spells.

Pereira’s spark has been cited as a crucial asset to a Dagenham side that has too often been unable to rescue such points when they may well have been deserved this season.

The Luton loanee provides that extra quality in attack and an outlet that may lessen the reliance on Effiong being in form in order to get a result. Hopefully this will also lessen the reliance on luck, a lack of fortune that Strevens has suggested is too poor an excuse to stretch this late into the season.

However, after being given a first penalty of the season on Saturday and securing four points in a week on the road, perhaps the tide just may be turning in the Daggers’ favour as we look ahead to the run-in.

The next test will definitely require some good fortune and Strevens’ side to be on top of their game as they welcome National League leaders Chesterfield to Victoria Road, who need just eight more wins to secure the title.

It will be a tough test which many supporters see as a free hit at delaying the crowning of the Spireites, who proved too good in the reverse fixture in spite of the Daggers giving a good account of themselves.

It’s back-to-back home games in a congested fixture schedule with Oxford the visitors on Saturday, another opportunity for the hosts to distance themselves from the relegation battle.

The Hoops have a crucial week ahead and will be desperate to pick up points to lift themselves off the foot of the table - having lost four of their last five - and face fellow strugglers Woking on Tuesday night before their visit to Victoria Road.

The hope is that Strevens’ team is able to ride the wave of positivity and pick up another victory this week, and importantly maintain the levels of recent performances, which has been helped in part by the rare ability to have consistent team selections.

Otherwise, this could be marked down as yet another false dawn with the Daggers unable to shrug off the relegation threat and set their sights higher up the table.

It’s another action-packed week ahead as hope returns among the Victoria Road faithful, who are expectant that the away form can finally be reflected in front of a home crowd.

Until next week, Come On You Daggers!