JOHN Coleman is refusing to read too much into Dagenham and Redbridge's inconsistent start to the season.

The Daggers were strong contenders for promotion to the Third Division last season but just missed out on a coveted place in the Football League, losing in the play-off final on a golden goal to Doncaster.

But after winning only three of their opening eight games, Garry Hill's side are wallowing in 14th place.

Coleman, however, isn't paying too much attention to their indifferent early season form.

"I think everyone would be surprised at their start to the season, but I was listening to an interview with their manager last week and he said they're on the same points now as they were this stage last year," he said.

"So we're not taking anything for granted.

"They will be well organised and they have experience in their side.

"They've got a lad called Tarkan Mustafa at right back and they've got a little bit of experience with left back Alan Kimble, who used to play for Wimbledon.

"It will be a tough game, but every game you play away from home is difficult."

Dagenham's Danny Shipp, who is the only player to reach 100 goals since the club reformed in the early 90s, could return after being sidelined through injury but Mark Stein is doubtful.

Defenders Lee Goodwin and Jimmy Jackson are also battling to be fit after suffering ankle ligament problems.

Stanley's Dean Calcutt is available for selection after a one-match ban but Coleman will give late fitness tests to Rory Prendergast and Andy Gouck after the pair picked up knocks.

Prendergast hurt his knee in training on Tuesday while midfielder Gouck was struggling in midweek after sustaining an ankle injury in last Saturday's 3-2 home win over Margate.

Meanwhile, plans to bring in a striker have not come to fruition this week but Coleman said his bid to strengthen his squad was ongoing.

"We haven't brought anyone in but we're always looking," he said.

"We know the type of players we want and we want to stick to that."

He added that while Lutel James had done well in his alternative role on the right flank, there was no guarantee he would stick with a winning formation this weekend.

"We address it from game to game so we'll see what's what on Saturday," he said.

"But a lot is governed by what we've got available as well."