DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE winger Sam Saunders is happy to remain on the spot after netting a penalty in Saturday s 3-1 win over Aldershot Town. The spotkick was the first that Daggers had been awarded since Ben Strevens missed from 12 yards against Wycombe Wan

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE winger Sam Saunders is happy to remain on the spot after netting a penalty in Saturday's 3-1 win over Aldershot Town, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The spotkick was the first that Daggers had been awarded since Ben Strevens missed from 12 yards against Wycombe Wanderers back on September 20, some seven months ago.

Saunders, not usually noted for his penalty taking skills, confidently dispatched his effort, smashing the ball into the roof of the net, and admitted afterwards, he hadn't had any doubts.

"There was no problem, I was 100 per cent confident when I was stepping over the ball," he said.

"I took one a few years ago against Southend in the cup and scored that as well, so I'm always confident when taking penalties.

"We hadn't won a penalty since Wycombe, so we were due one and I've been on them since them, but I've never had the chance to take one."

Saunders, whose goal was his 10th of the season, wasn't a definite starter at the weekend, after getting injured against Exeter last Saturday, but he was happy to play through the pain barrier.

"I picked up a knock 20 minutes into the game last week and haven't trained all week," he said.

"It was touch and go whether I would be involved, I didn't feel 100 per cent fitness wise, but luckily the boys did well and got the result."

Were you surprised to see Sam Saunders take the penalty on Saturday? Email your views to: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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