Rotherham United 1 Dagenham & Red 2: Daggers inflict second blow on Rotherham

The Millers produced an inept showing at Victoria Road last November, losing 5-0.

But the Millers, unbeaten in six matches going into this encounter and challenging at the top of League Two, will have been confident as they took on a Daggers side with a new manager in Wayne Burnett.

The hosts made a bright start, but with Kevin Maher operating in front of the back line, it was clear Dagenham’s game plan was to sit back, soak up the pressure and play on the counter attack.

From one such break, Abu Ogogo blazed over from close range.

It took a brave header from Scott Doe, one of two survivors from the Daggers team who beat the Millers at Wembley in the League Two Play-Off final nearly three years ago, to deny Daniel Nardiello a sight at goal.

The pendulum swung in Dagenham’s favour in the 59th minute when Kari Arnason, who was adjudged to have fouled Medy Elito in the penalty area, was sent off and Elito sent Andy Warrington the wrong way with the penalty.

Rotherham regrouped and battled back, Davis rising unmarked to nod in the equaliser from a corner.

With eight minutes left, though, Dagenham regained the lead through Luke Wilkinson when he smashed in Matthew Saunders’s free-kick after Davis had bundled Elito over. Davis was yellow carded for the cynical tackle.

Ben Pringle, just before he was replaced by Kieran Agard, rattled the crossbar with a ferocious free-kick but the visitiors held on.

Rotherham United: Warrington, Mullins, Davis, Arnason, Ridehalgh (Bradley 60), O’Connor, Frecklington, Noble, Pringle (Agard 89), Revell (Odejayi 82), Nardiello. Unused substitutes: Shearer, Tonge, Craig Morgan, Rowe.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington, Hoyte, Wilkinson, Doe, Ilesanmi, Maher (Bingham 46), Ogogo, Saunders, Howell, Elito (Strevens 83), Scott.Unused substitutes: Seabright, Green, Reed, Dennis, Gracco.

Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire).

Man of the match: Claude Davis.