Dagenham & Redbridge manager pleased with O’Brien and admires Northampton’s Smith after win at Cobblers

Barking and Dagenham Post: Ayo Obileye (left) and Liam O'Brien of Dagenham and Redbridge celebrate at the final whistle (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)Ayo Obileye (left) and Liam O'Brien of Dagenham and Redbridge celebrate at the final whistle (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo) (Image: �TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 8450 946026)

Dagenham & Redbridge boss Wayne Burnett continues to be impressed by Liam O’Brien after the goalkeeper turned in another performance of the highest quality against Northampton Town.

Having kept the club’s first clean sheet of the season last Tuesday against Cambridge United, O’Brien was in inspired form at Sixfield Stadium to help Daggers grab their first win of the season.

The 23-year-old is currently enjoying his longest run in the first team for over a year but Burnett believes there is still more to come from the young stopper.

“Liam made a fantastic save from Sam Hoskins’ shot and tipped it over the bar – I didn’t see it at the time because I had my head in my hands!” said the Dagenham boss.

“He’s made some saves, gets us up the pitch with his kicking and has done very well. He’s looked assured but once or twice he’s come out and looked a bit erratic but he’s a young man. The more games he plays, the better he will become.”

Burnett was also quick to praise O’Brien’s opposite number Adam Smith, with the Northampton keeper being named man of the match for his efforts.

Daggers could have won by more as they recorded their first victory over the Cobblers were it not for Smith, and Burnett believes both stoppers were in top form on Saturday.

“I thought both goalkeepers did well. Their goalkeeper was man of the match so it gives you an idea of the way the game went,” added Burnett.

“He saved two or three one-on-ones and maybe we should have put one away.”