MATCH PREVIEW: Dagenham & Redbridge vs Chippenham Town | National League South | Saturday 7th February
CTFC’s first game of February is a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.
Our first game of February 2026 is a first ever visit to Victoria Road as Round 31 of the ENLS season schedules an Awayday at Dagenham & Redbridge.
The opposition
As their name suggests, Dagenham & Redbridge were founded in 1992 following a merger between Dagenham and Redbridge Forest. Both previous clubs had been playing in the Conference and Isthmian Leagues respectively before the merge, and the new club were placed into the Conference. Following a slight yo-yo in and out of that division, in 2006/7 they would win the then Nationwide Conference, besting the likes of Oxford United and Morcombe by 14 points.
Following that historic promotion, under he stewardship of John Still, the Daggers were promoted again and following playoff wins against Morcombe and Rotherham they were lifted into to League One. That 2010/11 season would be the crest of their League wave, being in the same division as the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday. Unfortunately they would be relegated in 21st place, with a 5-0 defeat against Peterborough on the final day confirming their first relegation in 11 seasons.
The east-Londoners would only last four more seasons in the FL with relegation in 2015-16, and they have not returned. Following nearly a decade in the Football League, they were relegated alongside York City to confirm their place in the now National League.
Their first season back in non-league warranted a playoff place, finishing in fourth, but they were defeated by the eventually promoted Forest Green Rovers. More seasons of mid table National League Football would follow, with their crowning achievement an FA Cup run to Round 3. The Daggers beat the EFL’s AFC Wimbledon and Crewe Alexandra along the way before a 3-0 defeat at Millwall being the end.
24/25 meant relegation for Dagenham & Redbridge, as Wealdstone would survive and condemn them to their lowest position in the 21st century. Their start to 25/26 has been less than ideal for a full-time team, as after 13 matches they sit on 11 points and in 21st position. Perhaps their lowest point came in their defeat to Step 3 side Spalding in the FA Cup 3QR this season, marking just the third time in club history of an FA Cup exit so early.
As it stands the Daggers sit in mid table, with their eyes fixed upwards on the playoff chasing pack.
Dangerman
Joe Haigh – Haigh, a 22 year old attacking midfielder, has played the second most minutes of any Dagenham & Redbridge player this league campaign. He has netted four goals and contributed five assist, the most combined in their squad.
Haigh was a product of the Chelsea Academy, featuring in their U18 + U23 programme. Haigh played 20 matches in Chelsea’s 21/22 PL2 campaign scoring five times.
He signed on loan with Derby County in 2022, and featured for the Rams’ U21 side while training with the First-Team, and even made the bench in the EFL Trophy at just 18.
Following his release he was signed by Aldershot of the National League, and he represented the Shots on just four occasions, inclduing in their crazy 7-4 win against Swindon Town.
He was then signed by Farnborough, and across 18 months he played 47 league matches scoring seven times. During his time with Boro, he scored twice in two appearances against us, both in 3-1 away defeats for us.
Signing for Dagenham & Redbridge this summer, he has been a shining light in a mediocre season so far for the Daggers.
In the reverse fixture, Haigh played the full 90 and was stationed at an unorthodox left wing role.
Fixture History
This is just our second ever meeting with the Daggers, with the first being in October. Andy Carroll’s first half strike was the difference, marking his first goal in English football in over two years.
We left that match frustrated, with a number of chances, including a 60+ yard strike from Luke Haines missing the target by a number of inches.
Supporter information
If you are planning to attend this match, it is heavily suggested that you pre-book tickets in advance to make big savings.
Tickets are available online right through to kick-off, and will also be available on the day at the turnstiles (cash & card) although this is subject to availability, and an increase in pricing.
This stand is all seated and has catering facilities open before the game and at half time. Please note that there are no bar facilities for away supporters once inside the ground. Away fans are welcome to use our Clubhouse both before and after the game if they wish.
Entry is via turnstile 8 which is accessed via the rear of the main car park, or through the gates from Pondfield Park to the rear of the ground. Turnstiles will open one hour and a half before kick-off. There is also plenty of parking in the area surrounding the ground.
Away supporters will be situated in the Choice Training Stand.
We will be producing live radio Commentary, join Jamie Oleszynski and Riley Newman from Victoria Road from 2.45pm on Mixlr.
See you on Saturday Bluebirds ๐
