Chorley 1

Dagenham & Redbridge 0

A STUNNING strike by Alex Newby midway through the second half brought Chorley another three precious points, taking their tally to 10 from the last four games and lifting the revitalised Magpies to within two points of the escape-hatch in their bid to avoid the drop from the National League.

The great escape is suddenly a realistic possibility for Jamie Vermiglio’s side who were completing a treble of wins over former Football League teams, following recent victories over Chesterfield and Torquay United.

A quiet first half saw some attractive football from both sides but little bite in the exchanges, the first free-kick arriving after the midway point; it was almost exhibition stuff.

There was one goalmouth incident of note at each end. First, Daggers’ keeper Elliot Justham had to scramble to keep out a low shot from Newby, deflecting the ball for a corner off the post.

Then Matty Urwin could only partially save a well-struck cross-shot from Mitch Brundle and as the ball spun towards the vacant net Andy Teague - an assured presence on his return to the team - rescued Chorley with an overhead clearance from a yard out.

The game quickly hotted up after the break and Mark Ross had to clear from the goal-line as Dagenham hit their stride. But Chorley carried the greater goal-threat and a fine left-wing centre was just too high for the unmarked Newby who at full stretch headed over the bar.

The match exploded into life after 62 minutes. Charles Vernam got in a venomous rising drive which Justham athletically tipped over the bar but the Daggers’ reprieve was short-lived. Following the resultant corner, the ball was half-cleared to Newby who from 25 yards hit a real screamer into the top corner of the net. It was a strike fit to win any game.

The goal put extra heart into the Magpies and though the visitors probed repeatedly as the match entered its final quarter they found it difficult to break down an uncompromising home defence. The Daggers’ best chance came when Alex McQueen was played through on the right but he dragged his shot tamely wide of the far post.

Chorley successfully ran down the clock in the closing stages to complete a third victory in four games and climb into 22nd place in the table.

Magpies manager Vermiglio was full of praise for his match-winner - although he admitted Chorley were not at the best as they secured a fourth win of the season.

“Alex has that shot in his locker and he told me he knew it was going in as soon as it left his boot,” he said. “We weren’t at our best and had to roll up our sleeves to improve in the second half.

“Dagenham were quick and moved the ball around very well, making it difficult for us to see out the game.

“Over the 90 minutes we perhaps didn’t deserve all three points but we’ve played well in other games and got nothing, so we’ll take the win.”