Dagenham & Redbridge down Barnet to end season on a high

The opening stages provided little to shout about for either side as a lack of quality restricted any real chances.

The Bees began the game on top but couldn’t take advantage of the territory they had in Dagenham’s half with Sam Granville’s effort from a free-kick the only real opportunity for either team.

It was a cagey affair and neither side looked like they were playing for anything as early loose touches from Barnet striker David Moyo and Dagenham’s Effiong led to nothing.

The first chance of the game fell at the feet of Bees midfielder Marvin Armstrong after a mazy run from Granville on the left-hand side. The ball rolled across the six-yard box only for Armstrong to fire over the bar from close range.

It was a disappointing effort as Dean Brennan’s side were just growing into the game and looked like the side most likely to take the lead.

Dagenham then had a brilliant chance of their own as the below-par Effiong went through on goal and tamely side-footed the ball straight into the palms of Bees keeper Laurie Walker.

The visitors then immediately began to turn the screw with the impressive Elliot Johnson looking very tidy in possession both infield and on the exterior, repeatedly bringing the ball down and releasing well.

Moyo then went close for the home side but Daggers stopper Elliot Justham got down well to push the ball away from danger.

The second half kicked off in exhilarating fashion as Moyo went through on goal almost immediately, but his tame effort was easily saved by Justham.

A long ball over the top then sent Effiong through one-on-one with Walker and finished well to put Ben Strevens’ side 1-0 up.

Barnet looked rattled and seemed concerned that the game was getting away from them, constantly firing aimless balls into the Dagenham box with no result.

The absence of Harry Pritchard in the heart of the Bees midfield felt troubling for Dean Brennan’s side as the partnership of captain Dale Gorman and Sam Granville seemed to be slow to react in transition.

The lack of quality then began to creep back in as both sides looked jaded, typified by a dreadful ball into Daggers forward Jay Bird from Sam Ling after the former had beaten the Barnet offside trap.

Dagenham boss Strevens then opted to bring on forward Ibie to provide more presence up front and play alongside Effiong.

Up until his expertly taken goal, Effiong had looked isolated and low on confidence, but a probable half-time word from Strevens seemed to rejuvenate the big striker.

A late period of sustained pressure from Barnet looked as if the Bees might grab an equaliser, but poor efforts from substitute Robert Hall failed to trouble Justham in the Dagenham net.

Ibie was then played through on goal with just a few minutes to spare and tucked the ball beyond Walker to complete an excellent afternoon’s work for Strevens’ side.

Dagenham finish the season in 12th, cementing their National League status for another year, whereas Barnet will already be looking ahead to their crucial play-off fixture on Tuesday against locals Boreham Wood.