Dagenham 1 Leigh RMI 2: LEIGH RMI's survival hopes gained a timely boost with their first double of the season.

It was only their fourth win of the season and the second success under manager Phil Starbuck, who was quick to give all the credit to his players

"The lads played superb and got their just rewards," said Starbuck. "Our central defenders won all their headers and I can only remember Dagenham having one shot on goal.

"We put in the preparation for the game and it paid off. They worked hard and deserved the win."

The manager was also full of praise for his new loan signing Ian Fitzpatrick, from Shrewsbury, saying: "He did very well. He has a great left foot and gave us another dimension."

RMI took the lead in the 42nd minute when Paul Shepherd headed home an excellent cross from Andy Roscoe. Dagenham went close to an equaliser when Tarkan Mustafa shot wide and keeper Gary Kelly was forced into making a good save to deny Chris Piper.

Carl Barrowclough had a chance but fired over from six yards out and Fitzpatrick's shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by Mustafa.

The Daggers levelled with less than eight minutes remaining when Tim Cole fired Mark Bentley's pass home from short range. RMI regained the lead a minute later, however, when David McNiven hit home a left foot strike from six yards for his 14th goal of the season.