LEAGUE TWO leaders Dagenham & Redbridge begin their toughest week of the season when they face both Rochdale and Bournemouth in the space of four days.

by MIKE SIMMONDS

LEAGUE TWO leaders Dagenham & Redbridge begin their toughest week of the season when they face both Rochdale and Bournemouth in the space of four days.

Daggers took top spot from the Cherries on Saturday and travel to Dean Court on Tuesday night after entertaining third-placed Rochdale on Saturday.

"They're big games, crunch games, they're the ones that supporters, players and managers look forward to, to pit yourself against the best," said a bullish manager John Still.

Recognises

"We're really looking forward to it, the players have got to look at this as the start and not the finish, it's really important that everyone recognises how hard they've all worked, and carry it on."

Saturday's opponents Rochdale have endured a mixed bag of results recently, as after a thumping 4-0 win at Bournemouth, they drew 3-3 at Luton Town in the FA Cup, before losing the replay 2-0 at home, while at the weekend, they went down 3-2 to Chesterfield at Spotland.

"Last season we beat them twice, but I thought they were the best team we played," said an admiring Still.

"I think they're a team who can score goals, but maybe concede more than they would like. I like the way they play, it's attacking football and I've no doubts the defeats they've had will make no different to the way they play.

"They will come and have a go at it, and we need to be right on our mettle."

Meanwhile, Bournemouth could have gone into their clash without a manager had Eddie Howe taken over at Peterborough United, but the 31-year-old pledged his allegiances to the Cherries.

The second-placed side have lost two of their last three games at Dean Court, but Still is never one to lose sight of where his club have come from.

"They've both got the top team in us, but for this club we could be playing Grimsby and it would be a tough game," he said.

"We're fortunate enough to be playing teams when they are tough games for them too, so bring them on!"

Barring midfielder Danny Spiller, Still should have a full strength squad to pick from, but he didn't rule out making further additions to his side before the weekend's clash.

"I'm looking at bringing a wide player in and even a left back or someone to play either side at full back," said the boss, who snapped up Adam Miller and Nana Ofori-Twumasi on month-long deals last week.

"I don't like loans, but have been forced into a loan situation because you can't take players until January. If the players are available then I will try and take them before the window opens to make us stronger.

"I've got a couple in mind, but I can't do anything more my end, I will just have to wait and see what happens."

If you would like to comment on this story, email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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